New England Patriots: Five Players To Watch At Training Camp

Jan 19, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Aaron Dobson (17) runs against Denver Broncos free safety Mike Adams (20) in the first half during the 2013 AFC championship playoff football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

1. Aaron Dobson

This second year player out of Marshall could possibly end up being the most important player on this offense (aside from Tom Brady) in 2014.

Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola are firmly entrenched as the top two wideouts on this team. If both stay healthy, they will put up monster numbers this season. However the only problem with this, is both of them are best suited in the slot. Yes, Edelman can do a bit on the outside, but come playoff time, do we really want to put our money on a 5’10 player receiver going vertical? I sure don’t.

That is where Dobson comes in. Edelman and Amendola (and hopefully Rob Gronkowski) will do fine between the numbers, but Tom Brady needs someone that can produce outside the numbers. The number one reason New England hasn’t won a Super Bowl over the last couple of years is the lack of a vertical threat on the outside. Come postseason time, opposing defenses clog the middle of the field, and dare the Pats to throw over the top.

Aaron Dobson has the tools to become the player that ultimately beats the one on one coverage on the outside. He is tall, fast, and he can go up and make plays over the defender. We will get a good look at how he has progressed this offseason in camp, and hopefully, we come away impressed.