New England Patriots: 5 undrafted free agents with 2020 roster potential
Is Will Hastings the New England Patriots next great slot?
In the tradition of Troy Brown, Wes Welker, Danny Amendola and even Julian Edelman, the New England Patriots are hoping they have found a future slot receiver in Auburn product Will Hastings.
It seems like every year the team brings in a player with that potential.
Over the past few seasons, players like Braxton Berrios and Gunner Olszewski were projected to be that next player to succeed Edelman. While the jury is still out on Olszewski, Mr. Berrios is starting to look like that player with the AFC East rival New York Jets.
With a Hall-of-Fame talent like Julian Edelman getting up there in age, the Patriots have to start thinking about his successor.
light. Related Story. Will Hastings could become Jarrett Stidham’s best friend
Could it be Will Hastings?
While his stats at Auburn doesn’t jump off the stat sheet, his familiarity with projected starter Jarrett Stidham could give both young players that comfort level they need to succeed at each of their positions.
Speaking of positions, Hastings also was a kicker during his freshman and sophomore years at Auburn. That positional versatility will certainly stand out to Bill Belichick. It also means that he is still growing as a wide receiver with his best season in college being the last season in which Jarrett Stidham was his teammate at Auburn.
In that 2017 season, Will Hastings hauled in 26 receptions for 525 yards and four touchdowns.
It is that potential that the New England Patriots are hoping to tap into. With the current depth chart the team currently has at wide receiver and working behind and learning from a player like Julian Edelman could help Hastings make the roster. At the very least a strong practice squad candidate.