New England Patriots Looking For a Slot Receiver, Riley McCarron Hopes To Earn That Position

By Jordan Long

The New England Patriots lost wide receiver Danny Amendola during free agency. Amendola decided to sign with the Miami Dolphins. With that the New England Patriots have a need on the offensive side of the ball, slot receiver.

Quarterback Tom Brady counted on Amendola. His quickness at the line of scrimmage allowed him to be open. He rarely dropped the football. Amendola spent the last 5 years in New England and totaled 2,383 yards receiving with 12 touchdowns. Amondola’s average yards per catch was an impressive 10.4 yards. Every time he touched the football, those would be first downs or longer. Defenses had a tough time bringing him down.

Now that Amendola is a member of the Dolphins, the Patriots are searching for a slot receiver. There is one player on the roster they could consider for that role, Riley McCarron. McCarron was an undrafted free agent after playing 3 years at Iowa. He had 584 yards receiving with 5 touchdowns in college.

Last year was his rookie year. He started training camp with the Texans but was released on September 18^th. New England signed him on the practice squad on September 22^nd and he spent the season there. This year there are high hopes for McCarron making it on the team.

McCarron has the size to be the slot receiver at 5 foot 9 inches. That may cause mismatches and his speed will give him a chance to be open. Brady must toss to him in the open field for him to make plays.

The only down side for McCarron is he hasn’t played an NFL game. It is going to be tough for him to make the team. The Patriots are stacked at wide receiver with Brandin Cooks, Julian Edelman, Cordarrelle Patterson, Chris Hogan and Kenny Britt. Edelman and Cooks should be the 1^st and 2^nd on the depth chart. Hogan can also play the slot. It is going to be difficult for McCarron to earn the starting job.

McCarron’s best bet is to make an impression during training camp and preseason games. If he plays well, the Patriots coaching staff may place him on the roster. The worst case for McCarron is he spends another year on the practice squad. There is plenty of time for the Patriots to figure out who will be the 3^rd receiver and it could be McCarron.