New England Patriots: Phillip Dorsett could play a major role

With a lot of question marks at wide receiver, Phillip Dorsett could play a major role for the New England Patriots in 2018.

Coming into 2018, the New England Patriots have a very interesting looking depth chart at wide receiver. This offseason, we saw the Patriots lose Danny Amendola in free agency and trade away Brandin Cooks.

As two of their top receivers from last season, replacing their production will not be easy. Unfortunately for New England, they have also been hit rather hard with injuries at wide receiver so far.

Just recently, the Patriots have released both Jordan Matthews and Malcolm Mitchell due to injuries. Both are certainly talented players, but injuries appear to be the main reason why they were both released.

In order to get some healthy bodies at the position, the Patriots recently added Eric Decker. The signing of Decker looks like a good one on paper, as he can play in the slot and on the outside. Also, he has played in a Josh McDaniels offense in Denver, so he should be fairly comfortable despite signing late.

Getting Julian Edelman back this season coming off a torn ACL will be huge. However, he will be suspended for the first four games of the season.

With a lot of uncertainty at the position, it could be the former first-round pick, Phillip Dorsett, who plays a major role in the offense. The Patriots acquired Dorsett last season in exchange for Jacoby Brissett. As a former first-round pick, Dorsett hasn’t lived up to those expectations yet.

After a quiet rookie season, Dorsett did improve a bit in 2016, as he totaled 33 receptions, 528 receiving yards, and two receiving touchdowns. After being traded to the Patriots last season, Dorsett never really got going with New England, as learning their offense on the fly is not easy.

Now that Dorsett has had a full season in New England, he could be poised for a breakout season. Due to all injuries at wide receiver, Dorsett might find himself getting a lot of playing time.

With Edelman being suspended for the first four games of the season, Dorsett could be a possible replacement in the slot. While he hasn’t had a lot of success as a receiver, Dorsett is certainly at his best in the slot. We will have to wait and see how things shake out at wide receiver, but Dorsett could certainly play a major role in the offense.