It's not a tirade, Manx. It's a question. You implied that we haven't drafted, or even tried to draft, quality WRs. The team has used a reasonable amount of draft picks on WRs, as well as FA signings. The majority haven't panned out. And it's fine to say that Brady gets paid well so he should throw the ball to whomever we sign, but it's just not that simple. There are multiple receiving options, and Brady makes the reads. His rapport with, and trust of a receiver are paramount in his decision about whether to target them.
Did you consider Brandon Tate and Taylor Price "quality WR" prospects when we drafted them? Which receiver prospects from the past several drafts did you consider to meet your criteria? I'm interested in learning. I'm guessing the Pats aren't interested in WRs who can't run routes, catch passes or get separation, so I'm not sure that they would go out of their way to draft WRs that don't meet your criteria.
I'm confused.
I'd like an additional receiving threat as much as you. But I'd be more confident about spending significant draft capital on one if I thought there was a decent chance he would stick. And since Deion Branch and David Givens in 2002, the most productive WR that the Pats have drafted has been 7th round pick Julian Edelman in 2009. And that includes Bethel Johnson (45, 2003) PK Sam (164, 2004), Chad Jackson (36, 2006), Brandon Tate (83, 2008) and Taylor Price (89, 2010). That's 10 years. A hell of a long time. We've passed up Anquan Bolden, Greg Jennings and Mike Wallace, not to mention guys like Pierre Garcon, Marques Colston, Antonio Brown and others who have developed into "quality" WRs and who were available at very reasonable cost. So either we're just lousy at picking and/or developing WRs, or our system (or personnel) makes it particularly difficult to find and develop receivers who fit.