Guregian: Nelson Agholor fitting in nicely as a Patriot

FOXBORO — While it’s only been a few months, Bill Belichick says he has enjoyed working with Nelson Agholor.

It’s easy to see why.

Agholor gets it. Already, the wide receiver understands some of the finer points when it comes to being a Patriot.

Example A?

After Cam Newton injured his right throwing hand midway through practice Friday, Agholor went over to check on the quarterback. Newton showed Agholor the problem area on his hand.

Naturally, with reporters seeing that interaction, Agholor was asked following practice about the exchange, and what he knew about Newton’s injury.

“I’ll let him speak on that,” Agholor said politely.

Playing for Belichick, Agholor couldn’t have provided a better answer.

Example B?

Agholor has been a constant at the voluntary workouts. Other newly signed veterans, such as Matthew Judon and Jonnu Smith, have been missing. Same for some of the more accomplished Patriots, be it Devin McCourty, Dont’a Hightower, Stephon Gilmore and James White.

Yes, it’s voluntary, and we’re likely to see all of the players at mandatory minicamp. But it speaks to Agholor’s desire to fit in with a new team, learn the offense, and be accountable for his performance, especially given the dough the Patriots handed over in free agency.

“I’m new here, so it’s about learning the plays, learning different routes, learning the adjustments and just working on timing,” he said, adding: “This is where you grow as a player. I definitely want to take another leap this year, so you kind of have to be here, you have to learn, you have to be coached up about how you do things, learn schemes, work on fundamentals, and just grow as a player.

“You can do things individually, but as a wide receiver, you need to be next to the OC, you need to be next to the quarterbacks, and I think you grow well that way.”

Yes, he gets it.

He also offers interesting insights about players.

There’s no question about the energy Newton exudes during practice, and his ability to get players involved and into the workout.

After Newton shut it down for the day, watching from the sidelines, the lack of electricity was fairly noticeable, although Agholor said the quarterback was still involved.

“He’s still around, he still talks to his wide receivers, he still talks to his teammates,” said Agholor. “You’re still feeling that. That’s why he’s a great teammate. He’s a quarterback, but he’s also a great teammate because he loves football. Even when he’s not physically taking any reps, you still feel his presence. And that’s every week, even when there’s another quarterback in there throwing. He’s there rooting everybody on, encouraging … so it’s his energy. He truly loves the game of football.”

Interestingly, Agholor also feels Mac Jones has a similar love of the game. Belichick had lauded Jones earlier in the day, saying he’s earned the respect of the players.

“He’s a student of the game. He studies hard, loves football, communicates well,” said Agholor. “I think that’s important with quarterbacks and receivers, the level of communication. Coaches can teach us, coaches can put you in position. But relationships are built through communication, and I think all our quarterbacks do a great job of communicating.”

With Agholor participating, and leading the receivers group, he’s been able to get a feel for the offense, and while it’s been a grind, he’s picking things up, and enjoying the process.

And in the short time he’s had to learn the offense, essentially learning it from scratch, he thinks it suits him well. Given his position versatility, to play on the outside, or even in the slot, Agholor, who had 48 receptions for 896 yards with eight touchdowns for the Raiders last season, should do just fine.

“I think (the offense) is very versatile. There’s a lot of different ways we want to attack the defense,” said the receiver, who had a whopping 18.7 yards per catch last year. “My job is to learn all the different ways, so I can give myself the best opportunity to make plays.”

One other interesting nugget from Agholor was his view of Jakobi Meyers, the Patriots third-year receiver who had a breakout year last season.

Agholor said he’s actually studied Meyers, and taken notes. He’s learned even more practicing alongside him.

“I’ve watched him on tape since he’s been in the league. I’ve always been a fan of his game,” said Agholor. “He’s a true competitor, and he’s a savvy player. He’s very savvy how he plays inside, and he has amazing hands. He’s sure-handed, he’s tough, makes tough grabs through the middle, and actually … what people don’t know about him, is he’s quicker than you may perceive. That’s why I love working with him.”

Well, exposing Meyers’ quickness and strengths as a player might be breaking protocol, but Agholor still gets points for pumping up a teammate.

Let’s just say the receiver has fit into his new home quite well.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/3xbM1LJ