The Patriots have met with a bunch of wide receivers this week at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, and one player who checks a lot of boxes for New England is Slade Bolden.
How so?
Well, Bolden was a college roommate of Patriots quarterback Mac Jones during their time at the University of Alabama. Bolden also models his game after Patriots legend Julian Edelman. The Patriots could definitely use a wideout like Edelman who can dominate in the slot, get open consistently and pick up valuable yards on third down.
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Many of the best Patriots' teams in the Bill Belichick era have featured top-end slot receivers, whether it's Edelman, Danny Amendola, Wes Welker, Troy Brown, etc.
Bolden tallied 42 receptions for 408 yards and three touchdowns over 15 games for the Crimson Tide in 2021.
He also was an important player on special teams for Alabama, and we know how much Belichick values versatility and the ability to thrive on special teams.
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When you add it all up, Bolden would be a great target for the Patriots in the later rounds.