The New England Patriots are hoping to sign Bills wide receiver Chris Hogan, but that won't be the final domino as the offense tries to rebuild the wide receiver position. Bill Belichick and the Patriots are showing interest in some of the most talented receivers in the draft, per NFL Scout Tony Pauline.
First, the Patriots are kicking the tires on Tulsa wide receiver Keyarris Garrett. The 6'3, 220 lbs Garrett led the nation in receiving yards in 2015 with 1,588 on 96 receptions. He runs a 4.53 40 yard dash and has an explosive 10'8 broad jump. Garrett also has the biggest wing span of any wide receiver in the draft.
Patriots working out Tulsa WR Keyarris Garrett. Has the freakiest wing span in the entire draft. pic.twitter.com/ia41z2nOG9
— Rich Hill (@PP_Rich_Hill) March 11, 2016
Garrett is viewed as a top 100 prospect.
The Patriots also intend to work out Ohio State's Michael Thomas, the far more polished of the two 2nd round Buckeye receivers. The 6'3, 215 lbs Thomas reportedly ran a sub-4.4 40 yard dash and he owns a 10'6 broad jump and 6.8 three cone. While Thomas' teammate Braxton Miller has been receiving plenty of praise in recent weeks, it's Thomas that was Ohio State's top receiver.
And the Patriots are limiting themselves to outside receivers. New England is also working out Oregon athlete Byron Marshall.
The 5'9, 200 lbs Marshall is coming off a serious leg injury that affected his explosion numbers at his Pro Day, but he managed to put together a 6.95 three cone drill, which should impress the Patriots.
Maybe even more impressive is his college production. Marshall was 1,000+ yard rusher as a sophomore in 2013, and then converted into a 1,000+ yard receiver in 2014. Bill Belichick is sure to appreciate the team-first approach and the added versatility. Marshall is projected to be a 7th round pick.