So who are starting WRs and who are rostered?

[tombonneau]

I know the starting WRs don't mean much in this offense, but I'll be interested to hear what people think anyway.

As far as who is on the roster opening day, my guess:

Stallworth
Caldwell
Welker
Gaffney
Brown

CJax - PUP

I think NE goes into Game 1 with those 5 and CJax on the PUP. Maybe there is a 6th WR, either a vet or a Childress-type who is inactive.

Brown I feel will come back in one of those typical vet moves, not signing a 1yr contract until two-a-days are done.

While info on CJax is nebulous, my gut tells me he'll be PUP'd, though would love him to be healthy enough to participate in TC and make the opening day roster.

As far as starters, I think it will be Stallworth & Caldwell.

 

[makoute]

I think it will be gaffney and stallworth starting.

 

[Remix 6]

stallworth and caldwell

 

[TruthSeeker]

I think it will be gaffney and stallworth starting.

I agree, I love this combo, with Welker in the slot. I like Gaffney way better than Caldwell. Also we have Watson as our big WR/TE, and Thomas, Mills, etc. Lotsa weapons for Brady, very exciting !!

 

[HEY BRO! WHAT UP?]

I say Stallworth and Caldwell as well. Welker in the slot is really going to benefit Tom Brady.

 

[tombonneau]

Interesting that a lot of folks see Gaffney as starting ...

I actually liked what I saw of him and think he could be better than Caldwell with more time in the system.

While I like Caldwell, the image of those two drops are hard to shake.

But will he really go from being the #1 WR to #4 on the depth chart?

 

[Kdo5]

stallworth and caldwell

Yeah that is problably what it will be, but who knows? Wait until training camp arrives.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

Kelvin and Bam.

 

[Lampshade]

Kelvin and Bam.

I really hope they find a way to keep Kight around somewhere. I liked what I saw in his verylimited action. Looked qute Givens-esque to me. Bigger guy that blocks well downfield, who has deceptive speed, and who they clearly think can do some things with the ball in his hand (as evidenced by handing off to him on a reverse).

Obviously it's tough to gauge from one catch and one rush, but I'm gonna do it anyway.

 

[patsfanofNC12]

I think we will have good starting WR's with any combination of the ones we have.

 

[skaIownsIyou]

i believe before camp, the starting lineup will be

caldwell
gaffney
brown
stallworth
welker

then of course stallworth will have to work his way up

after camp and preseason, i can see stallworth being #1, caldwell and gaffney battling it out for #2, then the loser will be #3, brown #4, welker/jackson #5

long term it'll probably be jackson welker #1/#2

i really doubt stallworth will stay past 1 year....

 

[tombonneau]

i believe before camp, the starting lineup will be

caldwell
gaffney
brown
stallworth
welker

then of course stallworth will have to work his way up

after camp and preseason, i can see stallworth being #1, caldwell and gaffney battling it out for #2, then the loser will be #3, brown #4, welker/jackson #5

long term it'll probably be jackson welker #1/#2

i really doubt stallworth will stay past 1 year....

I don't know about Welker being #5 given the cost. He is easily #3 minimum, if not in the starting lineup.

Agree Stallworth could be one and done.

Another thing to keep in mind is that Caldwell & Gaffney are FAs after 07.

Not sure whether or not this will factor in, but my guess is the one who feels they are not the "starter" will go elsewhere, while the starter gets extended mid-season.

 

[drewdagreat]

Kight was on the roster at the end of the year last year.

 

[salty]

Caldwell is finally out of the starting lineup! :rocker:

Stallworth
Gaffney
Welker
Caldwell
Brown?
Jackson

 

[Rob0729]

Stallworth and Caldwell will go into camp as the starters. Gaffney will be given a shot to show his playoff performances were not a fluke and could take the spot from Caldwell.

Don't be suprised if we do a ton of three WR sets even on running downs. Eventhough it takes away a blocker on the line, I think part of our running problems was that no one respected the pass. Now teams will. That will take away a lot of the 8 and 9 in the box we saw last season.

If we use a three WR set as our base formation at times, Maroney, Morris, Evans, and Faulk could be running against defenses with only 5 or 6 in the box. That is why Addai and Rhodes were so effective in Indy last year. Teams loaded up to stop Manning and his receivers and the RBs had a lot of openings to make plays.

 

[VJCPatriot]

I believe that the WR depth chart will end up looking like this after training camp breaks, based on talent level:

1. Stallworth
2. Welker
3. Gaffney
4. Caldwell
5. Brown or Rookie Replacement

I'm just happy we're not counting on Caldwell to be a #1. He can be a solid receiver but just not a #1 option in my book.

Welker will probably end up playing slot to create mismatches although I think he'll be considered one of our top talents at wideout.

 

[BradyManny]

Caldwell is finally out of the starting lineup! :rocker:

Stallworth
Gaffney
Welker
Caldwell
Brown?
Jackson

I really don't think Caldwell is out of the starting lineup. I don't even know if we have "starters", we have 5 guys who can contribute in very different ways (6 if Troy comes back). Stallworth and CJax as deep threats, Welker in the slot, you could probably make an argument that Caldwell is still going to see the most snaps.

I'm not sure why you'd want Caldwell out of the starting lineup or why people assume he will be.

The last 10 weeks of the season, Caldwell had 620 yards on 46 catches. If he keeps that pace going into next season, you're talking about 70+ catches for 1000 yards. What's wrong with that?

 

[old 55]

Troy

I think Troy may retire, but be on the "shadow roster." If we lose any of the WR into the season, he could re-sign and step in without having to go through camp.

 

[Remix 6]

I believe that the WR depth chart will end up looking like this after training camp breaks, based on talent level:

1. Stallworth
2. Welker
3. Gaffney
4. Caldwell
5. Brown or Rookie Replacement

I'm just happy we're not counting on Caldwell to be a #1. He can be a solid receiver but just not a #1 option in my book.

Welker will probably end up playing slot to create mismatches although I think he'll be considered one of our top talents at wideout.

not even the guy in your sig is in the depth?

Welker is a slot receiver. he said himself he works better in slot. Gaffney is not better than Caldwell..2 drops doesnt mean hes worse than Gaffney .

 

[Ghost of Ben Dreith]

I think too many Pats fans are drinking the Welker koolaid. He will not be more than our slot receiver....ever. That and special teams will be great.

#1 and #2 will be Caldwell/Gaffney going into camp and Stallworth will have to work his way up....which he probably will do.

Bottom line is we will see a lot of all three of them during the year, along with Welker in multiple WR sets.