New England Patriots: Chris Hogan ready to become a leader

New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan is ready to embrace a leadership role heading into 2018.

One of the question marks for the New England Patriots coming into next season will be at wide receiver. This offseason, there were a lot of changes for the Patriots at the position.

Two of their top wide receivers from last season in Brandin Cooks and Danny Amendola will not be on the team this coming season. Cooks was traded to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for a first-round pick, and Amendola signed a very lucrative contract with the Miami Dolphins.

As two of their top performing wide receivers, the Patriots offense will certainly notice their loss. However, in typical Patriots fashion, the team did bring in multiple players that will hopefully replace some of their production.

Arguably the most important thing for the Patriots will be the return of Julian Edelman. Last season, Edelman tore his ACL in the preseason and missed the entire 2017 season. Unfortunately for Edelman and the Patriots, he will be suspended for the first games of the season, as we will have to wait for his return.

Heading into 2018, wide receiver Chris Hogan will be entering his third season with the team and is looking to embrace more of a leadership role. Here’s what he had to say about being a leader to Zack Cox of NESN.com.

"“I’m just going to focus on getting those guys and myself ready and the offense ready every week, and just come out here right now and string together good practices,” he said Thursday. “Focus on what we need to do to get better and whatever I can do to help those guys that are new to the team get more better and feel more comfortable in the offense.”"

As one of the few returning wide receivers from last season and a veteran of the team, it is good to see Hogan embracing becoming a leader of the team. Most importantly, however, the Patriots will need Hogan to stay healthy and produce on the field.

Last season, Hogan was only able to play in nine games for the Patriots, but he totaled 439 receiving yards and five receiving touchdowns, as he had a good season when he was healthy. With Cooks and Amendola gone, Hogan will certainly be asked to carry a substantial load, especially until Edelman returns.