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Patriots: Ranking positions by strength

By Connor Fulton

Sep 27, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) congratulates wide receiver Josh Boyce (82) after his touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the the Jacksonville Jaguars 51-17. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) congratulates wide receiver Josh Boyce (82) after his touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the the Jacksonville Jaguars 51-17. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Julian Edelman Patriots
Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Wide receivers

Right now, Julian Edelman is the only sure bet at the wide receiver position for the Patriots, which is why the group gets ranked this low.

Danny Amendola had an outstanding 2015 season with 65 receptions for 648 yards and three touchdowns, but his cap hit of $6.8 million makes puts his future in New England in doubt. That figure is more than any of the Patriots’ offensive skill players, quite a nice pay day for a No. 3 wideout.

Brandon LaFell had a bad case of the dropsies for the majority of the 2015 season, never reigniting the flame with Brady that he enjoyed in the 2014 postseason run.

Keshawn Martin was a pleasant surprise, often starting in front of LaFell. But he isn’t the type of player the Patriots want as the longer-term No. 2 guy.

As for Aaron Dobson, don’t be surprised if the Patriots ditch him this offseason unless he shows once and for all that he belongs in this offense.

What the Patriots should do over the offseason: Find a way to re-sign Amendola at a lower cost and give LaFell and Dobson chances to prove themselves in competition with a slew of offseason additions, such as Mohamed Sanu and Ricardo Lockette.

Next: 6. Safeties

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