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5 players who Patriots need to be great in 2020

By Rucker Haringey

FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 22: Jarrett Stidham #4 of the New England Patriots prepares to throw during the fourth quarter of a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - SEPTEMBER 22: Jarrett Stidham #4 of the New England Patriots prepares to throw during the fourth quarter of a game against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium on September 22, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Billie Weiss/Getty Images) /
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N'Keal Harry, New England Patriots
CINCINNATI, OHIO – DECEMBER 15: N’Keal Harry #15 of the New England Patriots runs with the ball as Germaine Pratt #57 of the Cincinnati Bengals is unable to make the tackle during the first half in the game at Paul Brown Stadium on December 15, 2019 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /

4. N’Keal Harry

The Patriots spent a first round pick on Harry in 2019 but he only was able to produce 12 catches during his rookie season. Injuries played a big part in the former Arizona State star’s initial struggles, but he needs to step up in a big way in his sophomore season.

If things go according to plan he should be able to secure a starting receiver spot on the outside. The idea is that Harry can use his size to make contested catches down the field even if he doesn’t get a ton of separation.

That skill could really help a young quarterback like Stidham keep the chains moving. Harry isn’t going to be a deep threat, but he can make valuable plays for New England on intermediate routes. The offense desperately needs him to take pressure off of Julian Edelman in the passing game.

The Patriots aren’t going to throw the ball a ton this season, but they’ll need to be efficient when they do allow Stidham to take shots down the field. Harry has to find a way to catch 50 or more passes this season if this team is going to make the playoffs.

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