It’s amazing to me that after all of these years, the New England Patriots actually have a huge need at WR.
They have been one of the most prolific offenses in the league, and have of the best WR/QB tandems in the game today.
But in order to keep this offense moving in the right direction, the Patriots may be forced to introduce a new component while allowing another key element to find a new home.
The Patriots—since last year—have been unusually non-committal to extending slot receiver Wes Welker a long term contract. It’s sort of unbelievable considering the guy has caught an incredible 672 passes in 93 games.
Still it’s looking more and more as if the Patriots are going to let Welker the open market.
With that said, the Patriots will be forced to find a replacement.
There is talk of the Patriots possibly finding interest in Minnesota Vikings receiver Percy Harvin, and that may be one avenue to explore should the opportunity arise, but the New England Patriots will probably have to find their successor through this year’s draft.
One possibility the Patriots could explore is West Virginia’s Tavon Austin.
Austin is a true slot-type receiver that has been compared to Percy Harvin (of all people), DeSean Jackson and, oh yeah, Wes Welker!
The interesting thing here is what Austin brings to the table.
This is a guy who is also a former RB, so taking hits and making contact isn't an issue despite only being 5’9”, 175 pounds—he will have to bulk up just a bit though.
Austin is a fluid route runner with a fair share of open field elusiveness, and he’s about as quick as a jack rabbit running from a fox in the brush.
All of his qualities are exactly what New England stands to lose should they NOT bring back Wes Welker, albeit in a younger less-polished form.
This pick may be considered a reach. But I feel if the New England Patriots want to keep the same offensive profile, they will need a player like Tavon Austin if Welker walks and the club doesn't find a FA replacement.
Have an idea on what New England’s biggest need is? Leave your idea in the comment section, and be sure to follow the rest of my coverage of the NFL below.
Next up, the Miami Dolphins.
| NFC North 2013 team Needs: | GREEN BAY PACKERS MINNESOTA VIKINGS CHICAGO BEARS DETROIT LIONS |
| NFC East 2013 Team Needs: | PHILADELPHIA EAGLES DALLAS COWBOYS WASHINGTON REDSKINS NEW YORK GIANTS |
| NFC South 2013 Team Needs: | ATLANTA FALCONS NEW ORLEANS SAINTS CAROLINA PANTHERS TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS |
| NFC West 2013 Team Needs: | ST. LOUIS RAMS SEATTLE SEAHAWKS ARIZONA CARDINALS SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS |
| AFC North 2013 Team Needs: | BALTIMORE RAVENS CINCINATTI BENGALS CLEVELAND BROWNS PITTSBURGH STEELERS |
| AFC East 2013 Team Needs: | NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS NEW YORK JETS MIAMI DOLPHINS BUFFALO BILLS |
| AFC South 2013 Team Needs: | INDIANAPOLIS COLTS HOUSTON TEXANS JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS TENNESSEE TITANS |
| AFC West 2013 Team Needs: | DENVER BRONCOS SAN DIEGO CHARGERS KANSAS CITY CHIEFS OAKLAND RAIDERS |
