I’ll do everything-receiver, quarterback, running back”: Patriots’ rookie QB D’Eriq King is the complete package
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The New England Patriots have had a rather shaky draft performance this year, the team made a lot of questionable decisions with its picks. Post the NFL Draft, the Pats made another surprising move by signing undrafted free agent D’Eriq King.
King plays QB which does not make sense as the Pats drafted Mac Jones last year and has shown immense potential in his first season. Adding in two QBs in the same draft is a red flag, however, Bill Belichick’s plan is becoming more evident.
D’Eriq King can do it all
Bailey Zappe was selected in the NFL Draft and he was a depth pick. If Mac Jones gets injured during the season, which we hope he does not (knock on wood), the Patriots have an alternative to fall back upon.
However, King was not chosen for his skills as a QB. He spoke to the Patriots’ director of personnel Matt Groh, who said that the team was “excited” to have him on board.
“I’m thankful for the opportunity. He told me I’ll do a little bit of everything- receiver, quarterback, running back-whatever I can do to stick,“ NFL.com reported. King had a stellar performance in college with 8,378 passing yards, 76 TDs, and just 19 INTs. In addition to this, King also recorded 423 carries for 2,055 yards and 32 TDs, while catching 61 passes as a WR for 520 yards.
He will be an offensive threat on the Patriots roster, King was not drafted due to his injury history. He had a shoulder surgery that restricted him to playing in only three games last year.“I was kind of prepared for that, I didn’t have a good season. It got cut short because of injuries. Still, there was that little feeling when the draft is going that something might happen and this team might draft me in this round. I was prepared for this moment.”
The Patriots pick players that are usually considered average or are overlooked. King highlights his goals to “make the team, but I want to make plays as well, I want to do what I can to be seen and have the opportunity to make the team. I’m going to try to get on special teams, too.” Bill Belichick may actually take King up on his word, Special Teams pro-Matthew Slater is one of Belichick’s go-to players. If King manages to do well, he could be a Patriot for a long time.
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Sumedh Joshi
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