Two thoughts
1) No question Hernandez is a mismatch nightmare for many defenses. On top of that, his effectiveness in the RB role late last season was jaw dropping (for me at least). I have to believe there are quite a few O coordinators that would line up to bid for his services. He's a special and unique talent.....and he's young.
The bigger question is....will BB just keep Hernandez on his rookie contract and risk discord? BB's no fool and he goes well beyond most to maintain a harmonious locker room. This locker room could get tested if Hernandez asks for his and gets stiff armed. I don't think BB will risk that.
2) I predict Welker's production will be diminished considerably this coming season and here's why...
...A) NFL defenses were not ready for the NFL passing game to start the 2011 season.....and Welker's numbers reflect that. First 4 games...40 catches, 600+ yds, 5 TDs. With a full offseason and preseason, I don't expect Brady to toss many 4-500 yd games and Wes' numbers should reflect this.
...B) LLoyd. If Brady gains confidence in this guy, then LLoyd should eat up some of Welker's catches
...C) McDaniels. Yes, Welker lit it up during the Moss/Welker era under Josh's stewardship. But here's the thing, McDaniels didn't have a Gronk or Hernandez back then. Lots of new toys. Add in this new dimension of blocking FB (Larsen) that has suddenly appeared and the Pats O may attempt to become more balanced. More running=less passing
...D) Time of possession. Best way to help the defense is to eat clock on offense. BB has to be conscious of the side effects of his pass first offense. We will see on this one, but again more running leads to less passing.
BB has never (in my eyes) reduced a player's role/participation in order to subdue a player's future negotiating value. Yet he won't cave to Welker's demands. Sure, there's only so much money and offense is getting a disproportionately high share of funds....but it is possible Bill sees a reduced output ahead for Welker and won't pay him premium dollars because of it. And if so, Belichick would be more than happy to begin the negotiating again next offseason when Welker won't have such frothy stats to support such a high asking price. A year older, another year entrenched in the community, another year as Brady's sidekick, another run at perfection
....BB may just be tenderizing ole Wes