D’Eriq King confident he can be a pretty good receiver for Patriots

Former Miami Hurricanes quarterback D’Eriq King is excited about his opportunity as an undrafted free agent with the New England Patriots. King played kick returner and wide receiver early in his college career at Houston. King had 8,378 yards passing, 520 receiving, 289 in returns and 2,055 rushing.

If not for his season-ending shoulder injury last season, King would have definitely reached 10,000 yards passing and potentially 2,500 rushing during his collegiate career. Listed at 5”11, but closer to 5’9, scouts were skeptical about the ability for King to play QB in the NFL. New England should be the perfect opportunity for King.

D’Eriq King had a magical season in his one full year with Miami. After transferring from Houston, King threw for 2,686 yards, 23 touchdowns, five interceptions and ran for 538 and another four TDs in 11 games as Miami finished 8-3 in 2020. It was the second-best season Miami has had since 2006.

King had far greater numbers and more experience as a WR than former Patriots star Julian Edelman. In his first two seasons with Houston, King recorded 58 receptions for 592 yards and three TDs. Edelman was solely a QB in college. At Kent State, Edelman ran for 2,483 yards but had just one reception.

"“I’m excited, it’s good,” King said. “I was a little nervous because of the unknown, but I was blessed enough to sign with a team like the Patriots. I’m thankful for the opportunity. It was an exciting time. I talked to Matt Groh, and he was excited…He told me I’ll do a little bit of everything — receiver, quarterback, running back, whatever I can do to stick…Absolutely, definitely motivated to prove my worth. I’m just excited to play football, period. I’m definitely motivated, and you have a chip on your shoulder, whether you get drafted or not.I’ve played quarterback my whole life, but I think I can be a pretty good receiver as well…I was kind of prepared for that…I didn’t have a good season. It got cut short because of injuries. Still, there was that little feeling when the draft is going that something might happen and this team might draft me in this round.I was prepared for this moment…It’s going to be good…I talked to some old teammates who have played for the Patriots. Coach Belichick is the best coach of all time…I’m definitely going to represent where I’m from…I’m doing it for more than just me…Definitely make the team, but I want to make plays as well.“I want to do what I can to be seen and have the opportunity to make the team. I’m going to try to get on special teams, too.”"

King discussed his New England tryout with Pro Football Network. New England has struggled with quality play from its WRs recently. The Patriots drafted Tyquan Thornton with the 50th overall pick in the second round of the 2022 NFL Draft. New England finished 10-7 in 2021 and lost in the first round of the playoffs at Buffalo.

Jakobi Myers led New England in receiving in 2021 and the Patriots signed former Dolphin Devante Parker in the offseason. The best opportunity for King to make the New England roster will be to prove his versatility during the offseason. King needs to become too valuable to cut.