Fantasy Upside
N'Keal Harry is the first wide receiver that Bill Belichick has drafted since he became the head coach of the New England Patriots. Over his final two college seasons, Harry accumulated 2,246 receiving yards and 17 touchdowns. At 6'2" and 228 pounds, Harry ran a 4.53 40, and his 27 bench reps tied him with D.K. Metcalf for the most among wide receiver prospects. His skill all across the formation makes him an enticing "big slot" wide receiver who could contribute to New England's offense immediately.
Fantasy Downside
The Patriots have an extensive history of rookie wide receiver prospects disappointing. Dion Branch is the only wide receiver to exceed 40 catches during Belichick's tenure. Mastering a New England playbook that has increased in complexity over 19 years of adjustments is no small task, and with Harry's notable struggles against man coverage, he will be somewhat reliant on Josh McDaniels making it a priority to scheme Harry open.
2019 Bottom Line
It's not a coincidence that Harry became Belichick's first wide receiver to be drafted in round one, and he's a much better bet than most Patriots rookie wide receivers drafted since 2000 to set a high-water mark for rookie performance. That being said, it's unreasonable to expect him to receive WR1 target volume in his first season, and that's assuming Josh Gordon doesn't return before the season, and Demaryius Thomas isn't a contributor. Harry is our WR42, with a 10th-round ADP as the WR43 in same the range where Dede Westbrook, Curtis Samuel, and Larry Fitzgerald are being drafted, all of whom we project above Harry.
