After almost two decades dominating the NFL, the New England Patriots turned into a sub-.500 team restructuring for the future.
Firstly, head coach Bill Belichick and the Patriots did not post a losing record in 19 seasons, until last year.
Secondly, last season was the first time in 11 years New England did not finish first in the AFC East.
Finally, MVP quarterback Tom Brady signed with Tampa Bay in 2020, forcing Belichick and owner Robert Kraft into rebuilding mode.
Now that New England landed quarterback Mac Jones in this year’s draft, their current focus is providing targets downfield.
Coach Belichick said the following in regard to New England’s wide receiver corps:
“We’ll see. We don’t have any games here anytime soon. So, we’re going to continue to practice, install our system, learn what to do, learn how to adjust, get to know the players better, give them a chance to learn our system and modify it as we go.”
Although receivers Golden Tate and Julio Jones are still available, the Patriots found a diamond-in-the-rough in Marvin Hall.
New England Lands Hall at Wide Reciever
NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport reported on Friday, June 4, 2021, the New England Patriots signed free agent Hall.
The #Patriots have added some speed, signing former #Lions and #Bears WR Marvin Hall, source said.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 4, 2021
The announcement did not disclose specific terms; however, Pro Football Rumors report both parties likely agreed to a low-end, one-year deal.
After playing four seasons at the University of Washington, Hall recorded a total of 25 catches and 409 receiving yards.
The Huskies alum finished with an average of 16.4 yards per catch and a collegiate personal best 78-yard reception.
Listed as a receiver, the versatile Southern Californian native also finished with a perfect passing record; 3-3 and two touchdowns.
Hall Offers Diverse Experience from Six NFL Teams
Firstly, the Dorsey High School graduate from Los Angeles signed as an undrafted free agent with the Oakland Raiders in 2016.
Secondly, after Oakland released him in 2016, the Arizona Cardinals picked up Hall and added him to their practice squad.
Hall then found his big break after the Atlanta Falcons signed and promoted him to their active roster in 2017.
He played for two years in Atlanta before spending time with the Chicago Bears and joining the Detroit Lions in 2019.
The Bears have signed journeyman WR Marvin Hall (12 career catches, 209 yards). Hall has been with the Raiders, Cardinals and Falcons.
Probably a dozen or so signings left.
— Dan Wiederer (@danwiederer) March 15, 2019
Most recently, the fifth-year veteran started one game with the Cleveland Browns before his contract expired in 2020.
In four seasons with the league, Hall posts 45 games played with 37 catches, 772 total yards, and five touchdowns.
Veteran Receiver Adds Speed to Patriots Offense
Standing at five feet, ten inches tall, and weighing 190 pounds, Hall is undersized; however, he prevails with speed.
Recording a 4.28 second, 40-yard dash time at Washington University’s 2016 Pro Day, Hall brings blazing speed to the Patriots.
A quick first step, Hall freezes defenders at the line and shifts from first to sixth gear with ease.
WR Marvin Hall (5-10, 192, University of Washington/Browns-Lions-Falcons) here at Patriots voluntary OTA, wearing No. 14.
Watching him run this route sparked the question, “Who the Hall is that?”
Thank you. I’ll see myself out now. pic.twitter.com/IdGlDfhoPg
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) June 4, 2021
With Hall’s speed, offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels adds the ability to stretch the playing field and open the ground game.
Rare sight: Matthew Stafford under throws a receiver.
Marvin Hall is fast. pic.twitter.com/Rpx8WbKtZE
— Matt Waldman (@MattWaldman) November 9, 2020
New Look Patriots and Hall Have New Hope in 2021
Hall helps the New England Patriots progress towards having an added dimension of depth and surprise on the offense.
When asked about his outlook on this year’s team, coach Belichick said:
“On our end here, we’re kind of wrapping up our second week and I feel like we continue to make progress in the things that we’re doing. So, that’s kind of where we’re at here. Just keep trying to stack days on top of each other here going forward and we’ll be ready to go in training camp.”
A receiving corps already loaded with the likes of Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne, N’Keal Harry, Jakobi Meyers, Tre Nixon, Gunner Olszewski, Matthew Slater, Devin Smith, Kristian Wilkerson, and Isaiah Zuber, Hall will be one to watch this year.
NEXT: Who Will Start At Quarterback For Patriots In Week 1?
