The New England Patriots are tied for most Super Bowl victories by an NFL team.
More impressive is that they’ve collected those trophies over the last two decades.
It’s a model of consistency that few teams have challenged or replicated.
But even though they have been a constant contender for so long, there’s one aspect wherein they couldn’t find success: drafting quality pass catchers.
Whether wide receivers or tight ends, the players they picked did not pan out for them.
They took N’Keal Harry with the final pick in round one of the 2019 NFL Draft.
Unfortunately, he is not with the team anymore after he got traded to the Chicago Bears for a 2024 seventh-rounder.
Likewise, two more pass-catchers are not with the team anymore after getting released.
Patriots are releasing both of their 2020 3rd Round TE selections:
Pick 91: Devin Asiasi
Career totals: 2 Rec, 39 Rec Yds, 1 TDPick 101: Dalton Keene
Career totals: 3 Rec, 16 Rec Yds pic.twitter.com/QVs3ZYFXd7— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) August 30, 2022
NFL on CBS shared that tight ends Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene will not be a part of the 53-man active roster.
Both were selected in the third round of the 2020 draft, and they combine for career totals of five receptions for 55 yards and a touchdown.
Having the likes of Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry rendered them dispensable.
Patriots’ Failures At Drafting Wide Receivers
It’s not all tragedy for New England from 2002 to 2021 because they found Deion Branch and Julian Edelman.
They each have a Super Bowl MVP award and combine for five championships.
But beyond them, it has been an utter disappointment for head coach Bill Belichick.
They selected players like David Givens, Bethel Johnson, P.K. Sam, Chad Jackson, and Matt Slater.
Also, part of their wideout draft list are Brandon Tate, Taylor Price, Jeremy Ebert, Aaron Dobson, Jeremy Gallon, and Malcolm Mitchell.
New England also drafted Devin Lucien, Braxton Berrios, and Tre Nixon.
At present, DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, and Jakobi Meyers are their projected starters.
The Patriots signed Meyers as an undrafted free agent in 2019.
NEXT: Why The Patriots Will Miss The Playoffs This Year