N’Keal Harry’s time in New England stands out as one of the most disappointing stretches in recent memory. Despite being selected as the final pick of the first round in the 2019 NFL Draft, Harry struggled to leave a mark in Foxborough, despite the team’s dire need for wide receiver talent. Throughout his three seasons with the Patriots, Harry managed only 57 receptions for 598 yards before being traded to Chicago for a seventh-round pick in the summer of 2022.
His underwhelming performance is further highlighted by the success of other wide receivers selected shortly after him, including Deebo Samuel, A.J. Brown, D.K. Metcalf, Diontae Johnson, and Terry McLaurin, who all proved to be impactful players.
According to Herm Edwards, Harry’s former college coach at Arizona State, one of the key factors contributing to his downfall was the presence of too many hangers-on around him. Despite possessing ample talent as a big, physical receiver, Harry struggled to find his place in New England’s system. Edwards believes that the demanding environment of the Patriots didn’t suit Harry’s style of play.
Although Harry possessed the physical attributes of a top-tier receiver, including impressive strength showcased by his 27-rep bench press at the NFL Combine, he failed to live up to expectations on the field. Edwards suggests that Harry’s natural talent may have hindered him, as he perhaps relied too heavily on it rather than developing a strong work ethic and focus on the game.
In essence, Harry’s tenure in New England was marred by unfulfilled potential and a mismatch between his talent and the demands of the team’s environment.