The Chicago Bears seem content with their current array of wide receivers. Allen Robinson checks the box of big body and 3rd down machine. Then the trio of Darnell Mooney, Marquise Goodwin, and Damiere Byrd adds much-needed speed to the mix. Maybe even Anthony Miller can rebound as well. However, concerns still linger. Robinson remains without a long-term extension. He could leave next offseason. Should the Bears think about trying to find some insurance? One name worth looking into is N’Keal Harry.
The former 1st round pick has had a forgettable two seasons with the New England Patriots. As a rookie, he had just 105 yards and two touchdowns. Then last season, things didn’t improve much with 309 yards and two touchdowns. Some are already calling him a bust. Harry doesn’t seem to see it that way. He thinks the offense he plays in is a bigger problem. So much so that he and his agent have formally requested a trade.
Statement from #Patriots WR N’Keal Harry’s agent Jamal Tooson, who has formally requested a trade for the 2019 first-round pick. pic.twitter.com/3xdJbbar28
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 6, 2021
So what is the deal with Harry?
The primary criticisms with him center on his inability to create much separation in his route running. Then again this shouldn’t be a huge surprise. Quickness and speed were never his game. Harry wasn’t known for popping wide open in college either. He was a big body with outstanding body control and hands. Throw the ball up to him and he was more likely than not to make a big play.
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He was a bad fit for the Patriots from the start. Their offense has always depended on receivers with precise route-running skills. They just don’t know how to use him properly. Or at least he thinks so. He needs to go somewhere that a team will understand his strengths and aim to take advantage of them. Perhaps a fresh start in Chicago where the expectations would be lessened might serve him well.
There are pros and cons to the Bears trading for N’Keal Harry
He still has two years left on his rookie contract. So he’ll be cheap from a money perspective. He’s also just 23-years old. Quite young for a guy going into his third season. As for the price to get him? Given the past two years, the Patriots can’t expect more than a mid round pick in return. That probably explains why the team has been reluctant to trade him up to this point.
On the flip side? It is possible he’d run into the same problems in Chicago he has in New England. Head coach Matt Nagy runs an offense with origins in the West Coast scheme. Such a system depends on diverse and strong route running. This is why Robinson was so coveted as a free agent in 2018 and why Mooney flourished in it so quickly. Both are excellent route runners. Meanwhile, somebody like Javon Wims, who is similar in build and style to Harry, hasn’t been able to make much noise.
So would it really be much different here?
That seems unlikely. This is not to say N’Keal Harry won’t be a success anywhere. It is more that he is a receiver who can only thrive in a specific type of offense. One that is okay with his middling speed and route running skill. They’re more interested in his size and 50/50 ability. Maybe Chicago thinks they can make some adjustments to accommodate him but don’t count on it.
