Patriot's WR Preview. Who is the odd man out?
by Justin_Bobo on Jun 16, 2009 6:50 PM EDT
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PrintThe Patriots continue to be relentless against letting another weak Wide Receiving corp be part of this franchise's opening day roster.
With the losses of Jabar Gaffney to the Denver Broncos, and Kelley Washington to the Baltimore Ravens, the Patriots had some holes at the Wide Receiver position this offseason. With these offseason's acquisitions, we may actually see some fan favorite's not making the team. Not including Randy Moss and Wes Welker, here's how the WR's stack up.
Joey Galloway - After a poor season last year, the Patriots seemed to have got a steal in signing Galloway. After making 1.7 million with the Buccaneers last year, and a 1.2 million signing bonus on top of that, teams seemed to back away from dishing out money to him. However, Galloway didn't ask to increase his salary to sign with the Patriots, and got signed for 1.75 million with a 600K signing bonus.Putting up a mere 13 catches and 138 yards last season due to injuries may lead to questioning what he has left, but this player deserves a good chance. Even though he is turning 38 in November, Galloway still has blazing speed and can be used as a deep threat, an underneath route runner, and a decoy for Moss. Look for Galloway to have a very productive year this season.
Greg Lewis - After spending his first 6 seasons in the NFL, Lewis was traded to the Patriots in exchange for their 5th round draft pick. Lewis is in the last year of a 6 year, $5.885 million contract. Primarily a 3rd and 4th string receiver, Lewis will be shooting for WR 4 for the Patriots. Look for Lewis to also make an occasional impact on special teams. Greg Lewis is known for being the occasional deep threat, and for his great hands, with only one fumble in his NFL career.
Brandon Tate - The other prime candidate for the WR 4 spot, Tate hasn't been able to fully practice with the Patriots yet. Rumor has it that will most likely wind up on the PUP list to begin the season. Drafted for his ability and not his numbers, Tate doesn't have a lot behind him stat-wise to show fans he deserves a chance. However, Tate has an outstanding football IQ, and has great instincts for the ball. The ability to run routes, beat defenders, and catch-and-run, on top of being able to rush the ball (103 rushing yards against McNeese St) and excel on kick and punt returns allows for an intriguing candidate for the Patriots.
Sam Aiken - Along with a good chunk of other people, I did not know Sam Aiken was still a New England Patriot. However, he did sign a 2 year contract last offseason for 1.56 million. Aiken was not a real impact player last year, only amassing 8 catches for 101 yards (with most of that coming on a 43 yard catch against the Jets). However, Aiken was a consistent special teams player and a hard worker, and will likely see himself in the same role again this season for the Patriots.
Matthew Slater - The Patriots announced earlier this offseason that Slater will be working strictly as a Safety this season, but has already been seen working with the Quarterbacks and running routes. Belicheck likes to keep his options open, and with Slater haven't a quite disappointing season last year, he may try and find anywhere he can to show he is the quality football player he was in college.
Julian Edelman - Although drafted as a QB/WR, Edelman is yet to throw the ball in OTAs. Believed to be drafted for the Wildcat formation, Edelman is known for his sure hands when catching the ball. He is not yet a master of burning cornerbacks or perfect route running, but that can come with time. Question is, can he do it in enough time to earn a spot on this roster?
This leaves 8 Wide Receivers on the roster, with the average NFL team only carrying 6 or 7. However, this is not your ordinary team.
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Nicely done!
Some really good thoughts here. I personally think Slater and Aiken are on the bubble, but won’t be able to make a better guess until training camp.
Blogger at SBNation's Patriots blog, Pats Pulpit
Thanks.
I agree, especially with Slater. He had extremely poor handling of the ball last year. However, Belicheck and Pioli seemed ecstatic when they drafted this kid, so I think he may be giving a little more time to play out. That’s why I think Sam Aiken is the odd player out.
Never know with BB
Could be looking at Edelman too on the bubble.. They brought in Hoyer to and i thought i read an article about him being able to run the ball too.. But cannot remember.. Might be wrong about it.. But both prospects are interesting.. But outside of that my guess is Aiken too but Slaters got to be close.. Aiken is a proven special teamer that works very hard at it.. But we will see here soon gotta trim down to 80 players in a few weeks for camp.. The picture will be a bit better to see then..
Brian Hoyer
Hoyer was mainly a pocket passer with Michigan State, only averaging 2-3 rushes per game, and usually winding up with negative yardage. Still a very interesting prospect, and makes me wonder whether they’ll keep 4 QB’s again.
could there be room
on the practice squad?
"These players, a lot of other people didn't believe in them, but they believe in themselves. And that is all that matters."- Bill Belichick
I want to say Slater
but can’t do it with any conviction, because I get the sense that BB likes something about him. Something that the fans haven’t been shown yet anyway. Really good question and layout, but I honestly am stumped as to who it will be.
Keep the faith!
Special teams prowess
Despite the muffs on kickoff returns (I still don’t understand why they put him out there in the pouring rain when we had Faulk), Slater made his presence felt on all four special teams units. Ellis Hobbs was an excellent kickoff returner for us, but his lead blocker was none other than Slater himself.
I was under the impression that Brandon Tate would go on IR this year. I think the guy really fighting for a job here is Edelman, although he has versatility in his favor so it should be interesting to see how it all plays out.
no IR
There is no real reason to put the guy on IR right now. They can start the guy out on the PUP and decide what to do with him week 10. Unless I am mistaken, you can start him on PUP until he plays a game (or is it just makes the game day roster?).
PUP
The Physically Unable to Perform list has to be established before the beginning of the regular season. No player can be added after the first game, and no one can be taking off until actually week 6, not week 10. They have up until week 10 to decide, but can take him off as early as week 6.
Also, if a player begins training camp on the active roster, he can not be placed on the PUP list. So once training camp begins, keep an eye out for Tate.
by Justin_Bobo on Jun 22, 2009 12:34 PM EDT up reply actions
I said none
assuming Tate will go on PUP or IR this year.
A lot of outcomes are possible though. Slater and Aiken got to show consistency and prove their worth on special teams. Edelman could be but on the practice squad. I could even see Galloway go, if he is not up to full speed after his injuryplagued last season. Greg Lewis is the only one I can’t really see gone, since the Pats have already invested a draft pick in him.
My guess...
Tate is put on the PUP until week 10 or so, and the discussion is moot until then.
At that point it becomes how the season has played out. If Edelman hasn’t panned out he could be the one cut. Aiken could be the first on the chopping block if he doesn’t pull his weight on special teams as he is slated to do. Aiken is my first candidate for the bubble, because his worth as a wide receiver isn’t there. Edelman and Slater can do some special teams rolls, and be a decent threat as a wide receiver.
Slater is the other bubble guy in my opinion. If he hasn’t done a good job by the time week 10 rolls around, he could find himself on the way out as well.
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