Why Newly Signed WR Nelson Agholor Will Help Improve The Offense

It is no secret that the Patriot’s offense last season was arguably one of the worst in the league. Ranking 27th overall in the NFL, the Patriots offense in 2020 was non-existent. This offense, that added Cam Newton to replace Tom Brady, lacked playmakers, especially at the wide receiver position. After losing Julian Edelman to a knee injury early in the season, the Patriots wideout room became extremely thin. During free agency, Bill Belichick knew this roster needed major upgrades, especially on offense.

Bill went to work and added much-needed playmakers to improve the offense. None more intriguing than wide receiver Nelson Agholor. It came as a surprise to many including myself, that the team would sign Agholor let alone a two-year deal worth $22 Million. Agholor, who in 2019 was graded by Pro Football Focus as the worst wide receiver in the NFL during his time with the Eagles, reinvented himself in 2020. Signing with the Raiders, Agholor became Derek Carr’s favorite target all throughout the season. Now with the Patriots, he is looking to build off his stellar 2020 season. He will help this offense tremendously in many ways, let’s get into it!

Speed 

If there is one thing that Nelson Agholor has is pure speed. Agholor recorded a 40 yard dash time of 4.39 seconds which already is one of the fastest times on the entire Patriots roster. Agholor has the speed to stretch the field vertically and open up the middle of the field. Last season, Agholor was targeted on deep passes(20 or more yards) 22 times, I expect that number to double this season. With his speed, the Patriots can use that to their advantage.

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Versatility

If there is one attribute Bill Belichick loves in any player it’s versatility, and Nelson Agholor has that. in 2020, Agholor played 731 snaps with 396 of those snaps coming from the slot. Agholor also played 315 snaps from the outside. Josh McDaniels can have a field day with where he can place Agholor on the field. Outside, in the slot, and even in the backfield, he can do it all.

Nelson Agholor was signed to a lucrative deal to be the team’s number one receiver. With his game-changing speed and versatility, it gives the Patriots a weapon that can do multiple things. Bill Belichick knows he can stretch the field and help this offense improve. And Agholor is ready to get to work and show the team what he can do.