Patriots News: Bill Belichick Likes WR Competition
By Cyrus Geller
Patriots training camp is in full swing, as our boys are working hard to get into regular season form as the season approaches…
Bill Belichick thinks the competition at wide receiver is the best it has ever been in his time in Foxboro.
From Mike Reiss of ESPN Boston:
"“I think our competition at receiver is probably as good as it’s been since I’ve been here [2000],” Belichick said Monday on Sirius XM NFL Radio’s “Movin’ the Chains” program.“All those guys are capable at whatever it is; they have different styles and different positions — slot guys, outside guys. But whatever it is, they’re very competitive and capable players that have a lot to offer. Obviously we can’t keep all of them, but it should be a good battle because they all have skill.”"
The receiver position is an interesting one for the Patriots this year. On the one hand, their top three receivers are currently out of practice due to injury (Edelman, Amendola and Hogan). That has allowed guys like Malcolm Mitchell, Aaron Dobson, Chris Harper and Keshawn Martin to show off their skills with the top unit on offense.
With that said, Edelman and Amendola appear to be close to returning to action, and I don’t think Hogan’s shoulder injury will keep him out very long. Those three are all locks to make the roster, as is the rookie Mitchell. That leaves the rest of them to fight for that fifth and final receivers spot.
In my opinion, Keshawn Martin currently has the inside edge, although Dobson and Nate Washington could certainly wrestle that way from them with a killer preseason. Martin signed an extension this offseason, and he proved last year that he can produce in this offense, and he has a solid rapport with Brady. Barring any injuries, I would be surprised if Martin does not get that final spot.
In other news, our own Connor Fulton shares 9 notable things from day 4 of training camp.
Also check out David Smith’s projection of the Patriots’ starting offense.