Why Patriots Legend ‘Hated’ Playing Against New England Newcomer

The Patriots obviously wanted to add talented players in free agency, but Mike Vrabel and company clearly targeted veterans who they thought would help shape a new culture in New England.

Mack Hollins figures to assist with that objective.

Hollins is not a No. 1 wide receiver, but he’s poised to help the Patriots in a variety of ways. Just ask former New England safety Devin McCourty, who had many battles against the eighth-year pro across his legendary tenure in Foxboro, Mass.

“I love the signing. We hated playing against the guy,” McCourty told MassLive’s Karen Guregian. “He’d always tell me he wasn’t good, then he’d walk away, and it was like, ‘Damn, that guy had four catches for 60 yards? (Expletive), he had a pretty good day.’ And three of them were on third down.

“He’s that type of guy. He’s going to block the hell out of you in the run game. He has an attitude that I think will do really good for that team.”

McCourty also believes the Patriots’ young receivers can benefit from being around Hollins, who maintains a tireless work ethic. The 31-year-old likely won’t be very high on New England’s wideout depth chart, but he will command respect in a receiver room that was plagued by immaturity last season.

Not to mention, Hollins is primed to form a strong bond with fellow North Carolina product Drake Maye.