Josh Palmer was a great developmental story out of Canada, coming away with over 450 yards receiving each of his final three years with Tennessee football. At the same time, he only had 475 yards and four touchdowns as the No. 1 receiver his senior year, making it hard to gauge him.
As a 6’2″ 210-pound wideout who runs a 4.51 40-yard dash, Palmer doesn’t have the athletic ability to overcome that production either. However, poor quarterback play was the main cause of it. Pro Football Focus noted that 37.2 percent of passes thrown to Palmer were uncatchable, and UT was sixth-worst among Power Five teams in throwing uncatchable balls in general.
Simply put, Palmer couldn’t do too much, and he actually had a strong Pro Day, probably making him a fifth-to-seventh rounder. The best spot would be for a team not looking for immediate help at receiver but one that could use a deep threat. Looking at that, these are the five best landing spots for the former Tennessee football receiver.
5.) New England Patriots
Given their history with Tom Brady so many years, the New England Patriots wouldn’t seem like a team that needs a deep-threat receiver. They need a receiver, particularly with the retirement of Julian Edelman, but would a deep route-runner fit their profile? Well, somebody like Josh Palmer just might if he’s used right.
Remember, Palmer is an elite route-runner and has great hands, two key components in the Pats’ system. Also, Brady has been gone for over a year. The Pats need to adjust, and if Cam Newton is the starter again, or even if somebody else is, a few more deep balls wouldn’t be a bad idea.
Given his limited athletic ability and his questionable production with Tennessee football, Palmer seems like the perfect player for Bill Belichick to find and turn into a star. The draft is loaded with top-notch receivers, and the Pats may take one of them early on to specifically replace Edelman, but Palmer could be a new element in their offense. That’s enough for them to be on here.