New England Patriots: Re-Evaluating Position Battles
By Cyrus Geller
Nov 30, 2014; Green Bay, WI, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Aaron Dobson (17) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Wide Receiver
Key Takeaway: Where’s Dobson?
The top of the Patriots’ receiving depth chart is solid: Julian Edelman, Brandon LaFell, and Danny Amendola. Now, assuming the Pats will carry five wideouts (which is no guarantee), there are two spots open, and about 500 guys fighting for them. I felt like Aaron Dobson and Brandon Gibson were the two leaders going into the game against the Packers, but now, I’m not too sure how I feel.
Dobson is far and away the most talented wideout fighting for a roster spot. He is big, fast, strong, and can go up and make plays down the field. But if he can’t stay healthy, all of that doesn’t matter. If he is on the sideline, and other guys are out there making plays, he is just falling farther and farther away from a roster spot. Players like Gibson and Chris Harper aren’t nearly as talented as Dobson, but since they are out there on the field, they are continuously making an impression on the coaches, while Dobson is not.
If I had to make a prediction right now, I’d say Dobson and Gibson make the team, but it would not surprise me one bit to see someone like Harper sneak on, especially if he keeps balling in the preseason. In only 27 snaps on Thursday, Harper managed to reel in seven catches for 48 yards (on seven targets, mind you).
That’s efficiency.
Next: Defensive End