Patriots Receiver Has Memorable Performance At 2022 Minicamp
Every year, a new player becomes a star during Patriots training camp, and this year is no different.
With the Patriots’ continued focus on the position over the past year, it doesn’t seem like a coincidence that the player most memorable this time is wide receiver Tre Nixon. Entering his second season with New England, Nixon could add an exciting dynamic to an almost crowded WR roster.
Who Is Tre Nixon?
HEIGHT: 6’1″
WEIGHT: 185 lbs
ARMS: 31 3/4″
HANDS: 9 1/8″
40-YARD-DASH: 4.39
20-YARD SHUFFLE: 4.16
VERTICAL: 35″
A four-star recruit out of high school, Tre Nixon had colleges across the country taking notice of him. He received 46 offers from several schools, including his eventual school, the University of Central Florida. However, he eventually chose to attend Ole Miss, where he spent two seasons before transferring back home to the UCF in 2018.
Between his time at Ole Miss and UCF, Nixon was a starter for three full years. He played in 40 games while starting for 30 and totaled 109 receptions for 1,671 yards and 13 touchdowns.
Throughout his college football career, Nixon showcased not only his speed and athleticism but also his big-play ability. He consistently had receptions of 20+ yards and tallied multiple 100-yard games.
He chose to enter the draft in 2021, despite the chance of returning to UCF for another season, and was drafted by the Patriots in the seventh round. He would eventually be waived on August 31 but would soon re-sign to join the practice squad.
Why Did The Patriots Draft Him?
Generally, it’s business as usual for Belichick and the Patriots, following their standard routines and practices regarding drafting, developing, and signing players. But with the shocking departure of Tom Brady two years ago, it appears a shift in philosophy has taken place within the organization.
It is widely known that GM Belichick makes the decisions regarding the Patriots’ roster. Over the last couple of seasons, however, the coach has leaned on his trusted peers in helping to make those difficult choices.
During the 2021 draft, recognizable faces filled New England’s war room, including the director of football research Ernie Adams. Because of his nearing retirement, Adams was given the privilege of choosing the team’s last overall pick of the draft. That selection ended up becoming Tre Nixon.
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Nixon fits “the Patriot way” mentality, especially as the team continues their re-build, and has all the tools to become a true threat on the field. He has the size and athleticism the receiving corps hasn’t had in recent years and adds the speed Belichick emphasized in the most recent draft.
On top of possessing superb separation abilities, which pair well with his knack for being a deep-field threat, Nixon also has the football IQ Belichick loves. He can become a favorite for coaches to develop into exactly what the team needs with the skills he already possesses.
How Has He Looked In Camp This Year?
Although there have only been two proper days of minicamp, Nixon has stood out among the rest. Other than the impressive performances of Mac Jones, he has been the most discussed player over the past several days.
With many changes to the Patriots team in 2022, there is a focus on the team as a whole. But because it has been a weaker part of the offense more recently, there is a slight emphasis on the receivers, new and old.
With Jones slinging the football to any receiver he could, his connection to Nixon has already been made clear. With Kendrick Bourne’s absence on day one of minicamp, he was able to take advantage of Bourne’s usual prominent role in catching passes.
Much of the day was spent watching the Jones-to-Nixon chemistry, with Nixon making some of the most memorable plays with a few 25+ yard plays from the slot.
Day two was even better for the quarterback and receiver duo;
What play had Mac Jones running down the field, pumping his fist in excitement, and letting out a loud roar? A drop-in-the-bucket deep ball to Tre Nixon, over the shoulder, that Nixon impressively brought in ONE-HANDED. Tightest of windows…it was well done on a deep-ball day. Mike Reiss (on day two of minicamp) of ESPN via Twitter
WR Tre Nixon starred again with 5 catches, including a 1-handed grab on 60-yard bomb as Jon Jones held him. Andrew Callahan (on day two of minicamp) of Boston Herald via Twitter
Giving praise when it’s due is always what is most fair, even regarding impressive performances in minicamp. Because Nixon spent his entire rookie season with the Patriots practice squad, he has a lot to prove this offseason that he could be a true asset to this young offense.
In reality, it is just minicamp. Time and time again, players look great at camp and during preseason only to not match that performance during the regular season. But the chemistry between Jones and Nixon is very apparent, and the receiver is developmentally trending in the right direction.
Could He Make The Roster?
The current lineup of wide receivers on the Patriots is deep. It has been some time since there was genuine competition among this group, but it’s vital in elevating the potential overall success offensively.
The public assumes N’Keal Harry will be traded or cut heading into the regular season. Nelson Agholor has been rumored to be shopped as well, but it seems unlikely to happen.
Ty Montgomery comes in as the WR/RB combo, leaving his usage up in the air. At camp so far, he has been training with special teams and could see most of his time on the field with that unit.
With all this in mind, Nixon’s roster spot is still questionable. If Harry or others are traded, that certainly opens the door for an easier path to making the team. It’s his second year in the NFL, and much of the decision will come from his performance during the rest of the summer and preseason.
Can he continue the hot streak he started in minicamp? Will he prove to be an asset to a weaker area on the team?
If Nixon can remain in sync with Jones for the immediate future, his chances of making the team drastically increase.
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