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New England Patriots 2019 training camp primer: Wide receivers

By Patrick Morgan

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 18: Wide receiver Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots jumps for a reception under coverage by inside linebacker Corey Nelson #52 of the Denver Broncos in the second quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 18, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 18: Wide receiver Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots jumps for a reception under coverage by inside linebacker Corey Nelson #52 of the Denver Broncos in the second quarter of a game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High on December 18, 2016 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots reacts in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA – FEBRUARY 03: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots reacts in the fourth quarter during Super Bowl LIII at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on February 3, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Here’s what we know…

Julian Edelman is a bad, bad man.

Just two years after making one of the craziest catches you’ll ever see on the game’s greatest stage, Edelman one-upped himself by reeling in 10 receptions for 141 yards against the Los Angeles Rams in Super Bowl 51. His heroics – especially with neither team mustering up much offense on the night – earned him Super Bowl MVP honors, and now he’s riding that glory all the way through the offseason.

Edelman will never instill fear in opposing defenses like a Julio Jones or an Odell Beckham Jr., but he remains one of the best pure route-runners in the NFL. He’s also tough-as-nails, has great hands, and regularly finds ways to get open almost at will. He’s a true, blue No. 1 receiver on a terrific Patriots offense, and he has Brady’s trust locked up for eternity.

Unfortunately, it’s a steep drop behind him.

If the season started today, Phillip Dorsett would be New England’s No. 2 receiver. Dorsett didn’t have a catch in the Super Bowl, though he did score a pair of touchdowns for the Patriots in playoff victories over the Kansas City Chiefs and Los Angeles Chargers.

Overall, he’s had a disappointing career since getting drafted in the first round by the Indianapolis Colts four years ago. Over that timespan (split between the Colts and the Pats), he has yet to finish a season with more than 33 receptions, 60 targets, 528 yards, or three touchdowns. Those career high numbers just don’t equate with Dorsett’s premium draft position, and it’s a bit of a surprise that New England brought him back for a third go-around this offseason.

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