Tedy Bruschi believes Josh Gordon indirectly led to the Patriots drafting N'Keal Harry

AP Photo | Ross D. Franklin

In Round 1, with Pick No. 32 of the 2019 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots chose Arizona State wide receiver N’Keal Harry. This was the first time in the Belichick-era that the team has selected a wide receiver in the first round.

After losing significant offensive weapons in Rob Gronkowski (retirement) and Chris Hogan (signed with Carolina Panthers last month), Brady and the team needed some help in the area of wide receiver.

Harry was likely brought in to fill the void of Gronkowski and Hogan, but former Patriots linebacker, Tedy Bruschi, has another theory. He believes that Harry might have Josh Gordon to thank for becoming a Patriot.

“They get him last year, put a 6-3, 225-pound target out there and see what a great piece it was for them, how great it was for Tom Brady,” Bruschi said. “Maybe that changed the perception of what they might need.”

“I think Bill’s always gone with trends and where the league is going. To have a big wide receiver, possibly for shots down the field off play-action; if they decide they still want to be a power-running team, this is a guy that can do it for you.”

Whether it’s to be a downfield threat or to block in the running game, Bruschi believes Harry is the guy for the job.

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