For the first time in Bill Belichick’s tenure as the New England Patriots head coach, he drafted a wide receiver in the first round.
N’Keal Harry from Arizona State had high expectations based on Belichick’s unprecedented draft choice — expectations he couldn’t live up to. Harry sustained an injury during the preseason that sidelined him for the first nine games, making it difficult to prove himself. He was tossed into a stagnant Patriots offense with a frustrated Tom Brady in the middle of the season and it was enough pressure to make any rookie fold.
Harry finished the year with 12 catches, 105 yards and two touchdowns in seven games.