The New England Patriots’ passing attack doesn’t exactly strike fear into the opposing defense. But what if I told you there is a diamond in the rough to uncover from the waiver wire and be a usable option for fantasy football in 2023?
Kendrick Bourne showed he is that diamond, finishing Week 1 catching six of his 11 targets for 64 yards and two touchdowns. This production and chemistry with Patriots QB Mac Jones will benefit fantasy managers.
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Should Kendrick Bourne Be a Fantasy Waiver Wire Add in Week 2?
Last season disappointed Bourne, ending with just over 400 receiving yards and one TD. However, not too long ago, Bourne’s potential began blooming in New England.
Oh boy, this Kendrick Bourne catch yesterday….
In 2021, Bourne ranked 2nd in the entire NFL (!) in ESPN's catch score, which uses tracking data to assess catch difficulty. Was excommunicated last year in Patricia's offense; would like to see him w a role again! pic.twitter.com/QwR1YlOeaw
— Mina Kimes (@minakimes) August 20, 2023
Fantasy managers should dig a little deeper and remember that in 2021, his first in New England, he finished the season with 800 yards and five TDs in Mac Jones’ rookie year.
Also noteworthy from 2021, Bourne and Mac were the third most productive duo in football thanks to Bourne’s yard-after-the-catch ability and rapport with Jones.
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New England has been trying to find a true WR1 through the draft and free agency the last couple of seasons. The Patriots signed eight-year veteran DeVante Parker (OUT) and drafted Tyquan Thornton (IR) in the second round last season; both suffered through injuries and inconsistent play.
Following this season, New England signed six-year veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster after his one-year stint in KC and drafted two WRs in the sixth round, Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas.
From what we saw from the Patriots in Week 1 in a close game against Philly, Jones relied on his chemistry with Bourne in a comeback attempt with TD strikes of 19 yards before halftime and 11 yards in the fourth quarter with under four minutes remaining in the game.
For fantasy managers who need to fill their flex spot and are looking to add depth to their bench because of injury or want to bail on a late-round dart throw, Bourne is a worthy waiver wire add.