The New England Patriots have worked out three wide receivers, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss. Former Packers WR Jared Abbrederis, Colts WR Griff Whalen, and Seahawks WR Kevin Smith were all in for workouts.
Between WRs Jared Abbrederis, Griff Whalen and Kevin Smith, Whalen has most PR experience, which could sway Patriots' decision in his favor.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) December 8, 2016
All three players have experience in the slot, stand between 5’11-6’1, weigh between 190-205 pounds, run between a 4.50-4.55 second 40 yard dash, and own a sub-7 second 3 cone time. They are all undeniably in town as possible replacements for Danny Amendola, who is recovering from an ankle injury.
Smith is the least experienced of the trio, with just 3 receptions over 189 snaps in 2015 with the Seahawks. Abbrederis is a former 2014 5th round pick out of Wisconsin with 10 receptions for 119 yards over 123 snaps in 2015-16, who was released from the injured reserve with a thigh injury. Both Smith and Abbrederis contributed to their respective teams in the 2015 playoffs.
Whalen is easily the most experienced with 509 yards and 3 touchdowns over 5 seasons. He is also a relatively accomplished returnman, which is notable with Amendola sidelined and rookie Cyrus Jones inconsistent. Whalen was also a part of the greatest special teams play in NFL history.
Whalen is probably the frontrunner, while Smith and Abbrederis are possible practice squad options if the Patriots want to promote either DeAndrew White or Devin Lucien from the practice squad.
The Patriots also worked out WR Dez Stewart earlier this week.
Edit: In preparation of a move, the Patriots have released DT Darius Kilgo, per NESN’s Doug Kyed. Kyed also reports the Patriots worked out LB Taiwan Jones and DB Dezmen Southward. Southward was a 3rd round pick in 2014 by the Falcons; the Patriots liked him a lot coming out of the draft.