mgteich

Is there really something missing in our passing game? I don't think so.

1) The scheme has changed by design, focusing on the TE, dink, dunk and YACs.
2) The top five targets are Welker, Branch, Hernandez, Gronkowksi and Woodhead. All have their roles and are playing very, very well.
3) Our #3 WR is doing well in the limited role he has been asked to perform. Tate also earns his keep as an OK kick returner.
4) Our #4 WR is a very solid backup slot receiver. We would be comfortable playing Edelman if either Welker or Branch were unavailable. Edleman also earns his keep as our punt returner, thankfully relieving Welker of that role.
5) We have third round prospect as our #5 WR that we haven't even seen because those in front of him are doing their jobs so well. Since the #3 and #4 are returners, Price must do more than just be a better option at WR (which he may or may not be).
6) Our #6 wide receiver (as noted above only 3 get many reps) is a special teamer as usual. Slater has been one of our two special teams only players since he got here. He is a Belichick favorite at that role.
7) Our #3 TE used to be one of the top receiving TE's in the league. Captain Crumpler is now a top blocker. He is awesome in his role.
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BOTTOM LINE
A) We are doing great in the passing game.
B) The top contributers are in place for 2011.
C) We have three young backups.
D) The total cost for this 10 man receiving corp is quite reasonable (WR, TE and 3rd down RB). This group also includes 3 key special teamers: Edelman, Tate and Slater.

We might bring in free agent veteran insurance and/or late round competition for Price. However, I don't the need for anything more. Obviously, Belichick will bring in someone if the value is there. I just don't think that the need is there.

RodThePat

You better believe this team needs another WR. If one of Welker/Branch is out for an extended period of time we are pretty much screwed. The passing game overall has plenty of weapons. The WR position specifically is paper thin.

Marqui

Good point. Pats should also trade for Peyton Manning because they're screwed if Brady is out for an extended period of time.

HomerSchooled

All excellent points. Our passing attack is dominant, and barring injury, the group has nowhere to go but up. Gronk, Hernandez, Edelman, Price and Tate will all have more experience, and Welker will be further removed from a devastating injury.

That being said, from a personnel stand point, WRs is one of the weaker areas on the team at the top. The depth obviously is great, and it's doing us wonders. Depending on what happens with Mankins and Light, and considering how strong a class this is, I'd still like to see a WR in the first 4 picks. To me, there's too much value to ignore. Our DL will be getting Warren back, our DBs will be getting Bodden back. If Mankins or Light stays, we likely only need one OL in the first couple rounds. OLB is obviously the most glaring need, but we know how that goes.

Personally, in the top 4 picks I'd like to see OLB, WR, OL, and DL. To me, those are the places where high picks can bring value and immediate impact.

Snake Eyes

Yeah, he's a real for wanting additional depth when 2 of best receivers have quite a few miles on their tires

We've barely seen Edelman this season, I can only assume BB things a recovering Welker is better and worth the risk, and we also havent seen anything out of Price, so he's a big question mark as well. That being the case it certainly wouldt come as a surprise if BB picked up another receiver or two.

Maybe you should think a bit before talking down to people.

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Taxed in Maine

I agree with MG. Virtually zero need to draft another WR this spring, and absolutely not in the first two rounds. The only way they draft one is if they give up on Price, but I think that is highly unlikely at this point.

Five or six number 2s are far better for this offense. I would rather they focus on getting a couple OLmen and a couple RB on offense.

Also, I'm quite sure all of the 6th and 7th picks are gone because of the trades. As it stands right now, they have 8 picks thru 5 rounds.

Sciz

Ever since Branch got here, I've been against an early-round WR in the draft. Any WR would be knocking either Slater or Edelman out of a job, meaning they'd also have to be a great special teamer. I just don't see that happening. I expect Tate and Price to improve a lot next offseason, coming off their rookie years (essentially for Tate).

Marqui

It was just a joke, relax.

Boston Boxer

we could have tackling dummies for WRs and Brady would still throw for 300 yards a game.

NEPatriot

I tend to agree. I could see us taking a WR in the 3rd or 4th. Someone with Branch like skills, who fits our system.