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Drafting a game-changing wide receiver in 2019 was a high possibility for most teams.
If an NFL organization wanted a transcendent receiver, they likely had multiple chances to reel one in. D.K. Metcalf, A.J. Brown, Darius Slayton, Diontae Johnson, Parris Campbell, Deebo Samuel, Terry McLaurin and N’Keal Harry were just some names that list. The New England Patriots selected a wide receiver in the first round under Bill Belichick for the first time in his 20 years with the team.
Harry was nabbed with the No. 32 overall pick and his rookie season was disappointing in comparison to his expectations. He was on the injured reserve list most of the season — recording 12 catches for 105 yards and two touchdowns in five games.
Fast-forwarding to this season, he’s been on the field all four games and has 18 catches for 166 yards and a touchdown. He spoke to reporters about his progression and didn’t feed into conversation making comparisons.
“No, I can’t compare my situation to anybody else,” Harry said, transcribed by NESN’s Zack Cox. “Just like D.K. can’t compare his situation to A.J. and A.J. can’t really compare his situation to D.K. We’re all in different positions so … When I sit there, I’m extremely happy for those guys. I was training with them pre-draft, so I know how much work they put in and I have a lot of respect for the way they grind.
“I’ve never been the type to just sit there and say, ‘Why hasn’t that happened for me?’ I know I’m in a different situation, and I’m just going to just, every day, go out there and work on ways to improve and stay patient and trust God’s timing. That’s my philosophy.”
Harry’s philosophy leads to peace of mind and contentment with his own growth, which is on par for someone under Belichick’s command. He’s the second-best receiver on the team behind Julian Edelman, but the statistics don’t matter much.
“My mindset is doing whatever coach needs me to do,” he said. “At the end of the day, I’m not too worried about personal stats and stuff like that. I’m worried about getting a win. I hate losing. I hate losing more than I love winning, so that’s my No. 1 goal, to win the game and do whatever I can to help us win the game.”
The Patriots are 2-2 after losing two tough games and they have the Denver Broncos coming in Week 6.
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