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1. Dobson had a VERY good season for a rookie receiver. He improved every week until he was injured and showed some real development with Brady. In the Pittsburgh and Miami games, Dobson was regularly making back shoulder catches.
I think the Alshon Jeffrey comparison is a very real one. Both are size/speed guys and had almost identical numbers at the combine and were known for having great hands in college. If Dobson puts in the work, he could very well be a 1,000 yard receiver next season. I am not saying he is gonna be Alshon and catch 90 balls for 1400yds, too many other targets, but I could envision 60 catches for 1100 yards and 6 or 8 TDs.
2. LaFell might have improved, but he is a possession receiver who has struggled with drops. Those do not mix. I like LaFell, but I think Thompkins and Boyce might have a higher ceiling.
You had me up until the last sentence. To each his own. It's obviously a difference of opinions. I don't think that both of Thompkins/Boyce even make the team unless we experience an injury or two. The odds of all 3 rookies making the team are not too good from the law of averages alone, especially since we've addressed the position with better talent.
For what it's worth to you, Aaron Dobson's "improvement" ended up equating to 18 catches for the last 3 months of the season from mid-October to mid-January. If you think that showed great skill, more power to you. I think he looked like exactly what he was, which is a 2nd round pick who obviously has some talent, but couldn't seem to parlay that into Brady's trust on a consistent level. The fact that he's also battled some injuries is another matter. He ended up having a nice peak before the bye, and hopefully that is something to build on. I agree that he obviously has upside. Whether or not that will end up relating to on-field production is anyone's guess.
We have absolutely no idea if he's going to be Alshon Jeffery (your words, not mine) or Taylor Price, Brandon Tate, and Chad Jackson---all 3 who everyone was SUPER high on in their 2nd year.
We can be cautiously optimistic with Aaron Dobson without having to rely on him, which is exactly what Bill Belichick seems to be doing. The thought of needing to depend on a 2nd year kid who hasn't shown anything but a few flashes here and there wasn't sitting well when trying to compete with the elite teams of the NFL. There will be plenty of opportunities for Dobson if he's healthy.