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Imagine if the Patriots had a receiver like Justin Jefferson

By Alan Nahigian

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 24: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts during the first half against the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - NOVEMBER 24: Justin Jefferson #18 of the Minnesota Vikings reacts during the first half against the New England Patriots at U.S. Bank Stadium on November 24, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. (Photo by Adam Bettcher/Getty Images) /
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The New England Patriots suffered a tough Thanksgiving night loss at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings, by a score of 33-26.

During the game, the Patriots had to deal with Vikings star receiver Justin Jefferson.

Jefferson was definitely a problem for the Pats’ defense last night.

The talented receiver from LSU finished the game with 9 receptions, 139 receiving yards, and a touchdown.

But did you know that the Patriots were one pick away from having Justin Jefferson in their hands?

Yep, that’s right. Justin Jefferson could’ve been a New England Patriot. Isn’t that crazy and a little sickening to think about? But just for the sake of it, let’s have a little fun and imagine if Justin Jefferson was a New England Patriot.

Justin Jefferson would give the Patriots a true number one receiver

If you take a look at the game last night, Justin Jefferson torched the Patriots defense. How did he do it?

Jefferson was able to have a game against a good Patriots defense, because he’s the total package as a wide receiver. He’s fast, has great hands, exceptional route runner, and tough. We saw all of those elements on multiple occasions last night.

Now just imagine having that on New England’s side? This would be a terrific match for both sides.

Jefferson would get a majority of the targets. Mac Jones would have a true number one receiver to throw to, especially in situations where he needs to make a big play. Everyone would win in that situation!

Justin Jefferson could’ve given the Patriots more options financially

This is something we really need to think about and consider. Imagine if Justin Jefferson was in New England? Then the Patriots could’ve been more creative financially.

I say this with the flashback of the monster spending spree the Pats spent in the 2021 off-season. Look at all of the money the Patriots spent on offensive pieces. Hunter Henry, Jonnu Smith, Kendrick Bourne, and Nelson Agholor were all brought in to help get the Patriots offense to be competent.

Now throw Jefferson into the mix. If you wanted to still get the two tight ends, fine. But with Jefferson in the mix and Jakobi Meyers already in New England, you wouldn’t have had to spend the money on guys like Bourne and Agholor. Especially Bourne, who has been basically non-existent in his second Patriots season.

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This money could’ve been spent on other positions like linebacker or maybe add more pieces on the offensive line. All of this if the Patriots could’ve lucked into drafting Justin Jefferson.

Ah, what could’ve been! It’s truly nauseating to think that the Patriots were literally one pick away from having Justin Jefferson fall into their hands.

Matthew Judon ready to feast on Kirk Cousins. dark. Next

But the thing that troubles me is wondering why the Pats didn’t trade up to get Jefferson if they loved him that much?

I’m just glad that Justin Jefferson is in the NFC and that we only will see once every couple of years for the time being. It would be a nightmare if we had to play that guy twice a season or even once a season.

What could’ve been. *Sigh*

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