Patriots Missed Out On Higgins

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Post on Feb 19, 2025

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Patriots Missed Out on Tee Higgins: A Case of Draft Day Regret?

The 2020 NFL Draft. A whirlwind of picks, trades, and the ever-present tension of trying to predict the future. For the New England Patriots, it felt like a particularly crucial draft. They were rebuilding, looking to replenish a roster that had seen better days, and Tee Higgins, a wide receiver with seemingly limitless potential, was on the board. And they…passed. This decision still sparks debate among Patriots fans, a lingering what-if that echoes through Gillette Stadium's hallowed halls. Let’s dive deep into the why, the how, and the enduring sting of this missed opportunity.

The Higgins Hype: A Pre-Draft Profile

Before the draft, Higgins wasn't some unknown quantity. He was a standout at Clemson, a program known for churning out NFL-ready talent. His size, his hands, his route-running—all pointed towards a bright future. Scouts raved about his potential, his ability to make contested catches, and his surprisingly smooth agility for a player of his stature. He wasn't just a big receiver; he was a skilled big receiver, a rare combination.

A Comparison to Other Receivers

Many draft analysts compared Higgins to established NFL stars, highlighting his potential to become a true number one receiver. The physical comparisons to A.J. Green were frequent, with commentators noting his size and ability to win jump balls. But Higgins had a certain dynamism, a certain je ne sais quoi that hinted at even greater upside.

The Patriots' Needs

The Patriots' receiving corps in 2020 was, to put it mildly, underwhelming. Julian Edelman was aging, and the rest of the group lacked the explosive playmaking ability that Higgins possessed. Adding a receiver with Higgins’ caliber would have addressed a glaring weakness and potentially catapulted the offense to a new level.

The Draft Day Decision: A Gamble That Didn't Pay Off

So, why did the Patriots pass? This is where things get murky. The official narrative is usually about team fit, scheme compatibility, or even a slight preference for another player. However, some analysts believe the Patriots underestimated Higgins' potential, prioritizing other needs they perceived as more pressing. This is where the 'what ifs' really start to gnaw.

The Missed Opportunity Cost

Looking back, the missed opportunity is striking. The Patriots opted to draft Kyle Dugger, a safety, instead of Higgins. While Dugger has become a valuable contributor, he hasn’t filled the game-changing receiver role Higgins has at Cincinnati. The difference in impact is clear. Higgins has quickly established himself as one of the league's top wideouts, while the Patriots continue to search for consistent offensive weapons.

Alternative Scenarios: The Road Not Taken

It's easy to engage in counterfactual history. What if the Patriots had drafted Higgins? Would their offense have looked drastically different? Could they have avoided some of their early-season struggles? Would Mac Jones' development have been smoother with a reliable target like Higgins? These are the questions that haunt Patriots fans.

The Bengals' Success with Higgins: A Testament to His Talent

The Cincinnati Bengals, on the other hand, made no such mistake. They snagged Higgins in the second round, and he’s become a cornerstone of their offense. His partnership with Joe Burrow has been a major factor in the Bengals' recent playoff runs. Higgins' impact isn't just about stats; it's about his game-changing ability, his reliability in crucial moments, and the overall threat he presents to opposing defenses.

Higgins' Rise: A Meteoric Ascent

Higgins' ascent has been nothing short of remarkable. He's not just a talented receiver; he's become a leader, a clutch player who consistently delivers when it matters most. He’s the kind of player that transforms an offense, a player who the Patriots could have desperately used.

A Lesson in Draft Day Decisions

The Higgins situation serves as a cautionary tale in the NFL. Drafting is a high-stakes gamble, and even the most astute scouts can miss. Sometimes, the clearest path forward isn't always the one taken, and the consequences can be long-lasting.

The Lingering Question: Was It a Mistake?

The question remains: Did the Patriots make a mistake by passing on Higgins? The answer, like so many things in football, is complicated. There are no easy answers, no clear-cut right or wrong. But the reality is that the Patriots missed the chance to add a potential franchise-altering player, a player who has proven his worth time and again. This missed opportunity continues to fuel debates and speculation, reminding us that even the best-laid plans can go awry in the unpredictable world of the NFL Draft.

Moving Forward: Lessons Learned?

Hopefully, the Patriots have learned from this experience. Drafting is a complex process, demanding careful consideration of various factors. But sometimes, a player’s potential is so evident that it's hard to ignore. The Higgins situation is a reminder that sometimes, taking a calculated risk on a high-upside player can yield significant rewards, even if it seems risky at the time.

Conclusion:

The Patriots' decision to pass on Tee Higgins remains a source of fascination and frustration for many fans. While it’s impossible to definitively say whether drafting Higgins would have changed their fortunes dramatically, the undeniable success Higgins has achieved highlights a potential missed opportunity. This story serves as a potent reminder of the inherent risks and rewards of NFL draft decisions and the lasting impact of choosing one player over another. The what-ifs remain, a constant reminder of the game's volatility and the unpredictable nature of the future.

FAQs:

1. Could the Patriots' offensive scheme have hindered Higgins' success even if they drafted him? It's a valid point. Scheme fit is crucial, and it's possible that Higgins' skillset wouldn't have been fully utilized in New England's system at the time. However, his adaptability and talent suggest he likely would have found ways to contribute significantly.

2. Beyond Higgins, were there other receivers the Patriots could have targeted who might have had a similar impact? Absolutely. The 2020 draft class had several talented receivers. However, Higgins' combination of size, speed, and route-running skills stood out, and his post-draft performance validates that assessment.

3. What specific aspects of Higgins' game have made him so successful in Cincinnati's offense? His ability to win contested catches, his reliable hands, and his surprising agility for his size are key. He’s also shown a remarkable ability to make big plays in crucial moments, elevating his game when it matters most.

4. How does the Higgins situation compare to other notable draft-day misses in NFL history? The Patriots' pass on Higgins joins a long list of infamous draft-day decisions. This isn't just about one team; every franchise has these moments. However, Higgins' sustained success makes this a particularly noteworthy instance.

5. What long-term impact might this decision have on the Patriots' future draft strategies? Hopefully, it will make them more aggressive in pursuing elite talent at positions of need, even if it means taking calculated risks. The risk of missing out on a player like Higgins is something they likely won't want to repeat.