New England Patriots: 6 Targets in 2020 NFL Draft to renew dynasty
6. K.J. Hamler, WR, Penn State
The Patriots aren’t a team who’ll pass on a player that could change their offense. One of the things missing in 2019 was speed. If they want to extend Tom Brady’s playoff run beyond the first round, they’ll need weapons around him. Bill Belichick has taken flyers on veteran speed receivers. Brandin Cooks helped their offense a great deal but he was shipped away for financial reasons.
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They brought in Phillip Dorsett via trade from the Indianapolis Colts but he hasn’t panned out. Brady doesn’t have the arm he once had, so he needs a guy he can dump it to that’ll make things happen. Penn State’s K. J. Hamler is the guy the Patriots need.
People will try to talk themselves out of loving Hamler because of size at 5-9, 176 pounds. However, he brings too much to the table. No, he’s not a true boundary receiver but, at the line of scrimmage, he’s difficult to touch. He gets off with elite quickness and hand speed. As a deep threat, he’s second to none thanks to his speed.
Where he makes his money is inside as a slot guy. He’s a good route runner who sets up defensive backs and a terror to cover in open space. He can also contribute right away on special teams, another element missing from the Patriots team.
It’s hard to ignore the weapon Hamler is and Patriots should get to know the dynamic wideout.