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If there’s one player who makes the most sense for the New England Patriots, it might just be receiver Slade Bolden. His story is eerily familiar to a number of players who have had success with the Patriots.
Bolden went to Alabama, where he played in the slot under former Patriots and current Crimson Tide offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien. In that offense, Bolden both caught and threw for touchdowns. He even roomed with former Alabama and current Patriots quarterback Mac Jones. Yes, of course, Bolden contributed on special teams in coverage and returns.
Alabama receivers John Metchie and Jameson Williams check many of these boxes. But one or both may be gone by the time the Patriots pick at 21st overall. Bolden might just go undrafted. New England will have no shortage of opportunities to add the receiver.
And you’ll never guess who he compares himself to.
“Julian Edelman, for sure,” Bolden said during a meeting with the media at the NFL combine on Wednesday, via MassLive’s Chris Mason. “Just the way he played the game, how he worked, his mindset going in — you can’t guard me, you can’t stop me, I’m going to catch everything. That kind of mindset, I kind of see myself being that kind of person. I try to emulate that the best I can.”
Bolden finished his final college season with 42 catches for 408 yards and three touchdowns. He threw for a 6-yard touchdown in 2019. Bolden contributed on special teams, with 20 returns in 2021 and six career tackles.
Bolden told reporters he has met with the Patriots at the combine.
Did Bolden and O’Brien discuss Edelman and Wes Welker, who worked under O’Brien as a receiver in New England’s offense and as an assistant coach with the Houston Texans?
“All the time,” Bolden said. “It was basically kind of how they used me if you need a good third-down play, a good third-down catch, or having that guy that’s been able to run an option route, or run the catch-tuck-turn type passes, that’s the kind of guy Wes was, catch the ball in the middle of the field, with no traffic. That’s kind of how I was used as well.”
If he joined the Patriots, Bolden would have plenty to study — just like any rookie. He does seem to have a unique knowledge of the playbook already, however.
“We used some of their plays as well, different rub (route) concepts where they may bring the tight end, and rub a safety for Edelman to spin out and run like a wheel route, just as an example. We definitely watched it, I watched it, especially on Sundays. I watched those games, for sure,” Bolden said.
So should we just slot the 5-foot-11, 190-pound prospect into every one of the upcoming Patriots mock drafts?
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