Patriots Possess NFL's Most 'Efficient' WR?

New England Patriots receiver Kendrick Bourne ranks among the league's best in yards per target over the past two seasons.

Since arriving in Foxborough, New England Patriots receiver Kendrick Bourne has been one of the NFL most efficient pass-catchers. 

Over the past two seasons, the former San Francisco 49ers wideout has totaled 90 receptions for 1,234 yards and six touchdowns. However, the real efficiency lies in Bourne's whopping 76.3 percent catch rate - bringing in 90 of 118 targets. 

And according to an NFL reporter, Bourne ranks second in the NFL - and first among all receivers - in yards per target at 10.5 over the past two seasons. 

Is Dallas Goedert the most underrated player in the NFL?

It is INSANE that a TE leads the NFL in efficiency the last two seasons.

(h/t @JimmyKempski for stat) pic.twitter.com/mu3YudaSrm

— Ross Tucker (@RossTuckerNFL) June 20, 2023

Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert (10.6) was the only player above Bourne, with Seattle Seahawks Tyler Lockett (9.9) and Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson (9.8) rounding out the top-four. 

Despite suffering a dip in production compared to his first season in Foxborough - 35 receptions, 434 yards and one touchdown - the seven-year veteran, along with New England, is ready to leave 2022 behind. 

“New year, new me, new us, new everything,” Bourne said recently. “That’s what we’re focused on, and that’s always the goal every year: to move forward and be better.”

But even in a limited role, Bourne has proven the ability to step up when his number is called. Over the past two seasons, the 27-year-old has posted five games with a 100-percent catch rate with at least four targets - including a five-reception, 47-yard game in Week 14 last season. 

With New England pursuing free agent receiver DeAndre Hopkins it's unclear where Bourne's future is, but the undrafted receiver will provide one of the NFL's elite hands wherever it is.

The stats indicate the Patriots should not only play Bourne, but also throw him more passes. 

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