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Martellus Bennett: Forecasting 2016 production

By Connor Fulton

Dec 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) catches a pass during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 6, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) catches a pass during the first quarter against the San Francisco 49ers at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports /
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Welcome to our third installment in a 12-part series in which we are forecasting the 2016 production of each of the New England Patriots’ offseason veteran additions. Today, we’re projecting the debut season of Martellus Bennett in a Patriots uniform.

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The skinny: Immediately after dealing Chandler Jones to the Arizona Cardinals for Jonathan Cooper, the Patriots turned around and handed the Chicago Bears a fourth round pick in return for Bennett and a sixth round pick.

After the Scott Chandler experiment fizzled out, the Patriots were in need of a threatening tight end to play second fiddle to Rob Gronkowski, and Bill Belichick really hit the ball out of the park by acquiring Bennett.

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Pessimistic forecast: Bennett doesn’t click in the Patriots’ complicated scheme as originally thought. His lousy 8.3 yards per catch average from last season doesn’t improve all that much, and the Patriots don’t dominate defenses in two-tight end sets.

Pessimistic stats projection: 35 receptions, 298 yards, 2 touchdowns

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Optimistic forecast: Playing alongside the best tight end in football translates into Bennett becoming the second best tight end in football. The sky is the limit for this tandem in 2016; both Gronk and Bennett stand at 6-foot-6, possess great athleticism and will only benefit each other.

As evidenced by his stat line of 90 receptions, 916 yards and six touchdowns in 2014, Bennett is fully capable of producing elite numbers.

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Optimistic stats projection: 84 receptions, 1,006 yards, 8 touchdowns

Realistic forecast: Bennett flourishes in New England, doing everything the Patriots could ask of him. However, due to the sheer numbers of weapons at Tom Brady’s disposal (Gronk, Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, Chris Hogan, Dion Lewis, the list goes on…) Bennett doesn’t please fantasy football owners as much as they would like.

Nonetheless, Bennett still puts up great numbers and his signing is viewed as a success.

Realistic stats projection: 57 receptions, 644 yards, 6 touchdowns

Next: 6 WRs Pats should consider in 2016 NFL Draft

Stay tuned here on Musket Fire for coverage on every twist and turn in the Patriots’ offseason.

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