Competition at WR

[BradyToAmendola]

Anyone else really excited about what Brady has to work with for receivers this year? We stuck with the rookies last year, and I think it's really going to pay off this year with the 3 sophomores. Thompkins made some great catches today, Dobson is a deep threat and big play guy, and Boyce has a ton of potential as well. I am so excited to see their improvement this football season.

There's Edelman who we can count on from the slot, as well as Amendola who I cannot wait to see with a healthy groin. Everyone knew he couldn't get any separation in tight coverage last year, he couldn't make quick cuts to get open. This year it will be completely different from that standpoint.

And LaFell has some major explosiveness with the ball in his hands.

I am so jacked, Brady has the weapons on the outside and inside. It's not Denver's weapons, but it's a formidable group.

 

[Jackson 2]

Anyone else really excited about what Brady has to work with for receivers this year? We stuck with the rookies last year, and I think it's really going to pay off this year with the 3 sophomores. Thompkins made some great catches today, Dobson is a deep threat and big play guy, and Boyce has a ton of potential as well. I am so excited to see their improvement this football season.

There's Edelman who we can count on from the slot, as well as Amendola who I cannot wait to see with a healthy groin. Everyone knew he couldn't get any separation in tight coverage last year, he couldn't make quick cuts to get open. This year it will be completely different from that standpoint.

And LaFell has some major explosiveness with the ball in his hands.

I am so jacked, Brady has the weapons on the outside and inside. It's not Denver's weapons, but it's a formidable group.

Great line just now from Tom Curran on Comcast re: Thomkins: "Anyone who still thinks he's on the bubble must be eating paint chips." LMFAO

 

[BobDigital]

My feelings about the offensive skill players.

Dobson - Gonna be healthy soon and will be a solid outside threat
Thompkins - Will surprise some with how well he does. Gonna be a mix of Branch and Givens.
Edelman/Amendola - I count them as 1 player really. One will likely be healthy and have a near 1000 yard season. If the other stays healthy too that is just gravy from the slot spot.
Boyce - People expecting a jump will probably be dissapointed. He will make a few plays here and that but probably gonna be stuck mostly a KR and turns it
Lafell - He will probably be a bit of a disappointment. Will see time in the endzone but suspect hands are still a worry and he will lose Brady's trust. Probably will put up less than his usual 600 yards due to splitting reps.

Vereen - Without Gronk we saw he can be taken away. With Gronk he will do well.
White - Probably same as Vereen. I would love to see him catch a go route though that Vereen tends to have so much trouble with.

Gronk - I think he surprises people playing most the season. Dude is due for an overall healthy year.

Probably will be something like this.

Dobson - 900
Thompkins - 850
Edelman/Amendola - 1150
Boyce - 100
Lefell - 300
Vereen - 400
White - 300
Gronk - 1000

 

[PatFanCraig]

Kenbrell works and trains for speed/flexibility that makes him a more explosive route runner harder than any WR in the NFL. There's a good chance he starts over Lafell or Amendola at the Z position while Dobson likely starts at X. With Edelman in the slot and hopefully the explosive athletic Boyce progresses enough to get some snaps in from the slot with his 4.34 speed. Which would shake up the defense because he forces them to cover in a different way than usual because Boyce is a threat to score deep on any play or take a pass from the slot the distance if they try covering the short area with lbs or box safety's. Boyce will be in the endzone. I don't see the explosiveness you see in Lafell nor does any NFL franchise. His former team let him walk for peanut $$. No other tram shkwed him any interest. In 2010-2011 before his injury the panthers were high and hopeful on their Round6 pick than Lafell citing his speed/explosiveness/big play ability and sharper routes before his career threatening injury.

 

[Hael]

Edelman is their first option, KT/Dobson is their 2nd option, Amendola is the third. Imo the choice of KT/Dobson probably comes down to a gametime decision depending on matchup (Dobson if a small corner, KT if the corner is big and strong).

One of the problems with KT/Dobson is they were a bit banged up at various intervals last year, and when they were individually healthy they were often going up against the number 1 corner b/c Amendola was out (Edelman would frequently be put against the slot corner or doubled).

They should have been going up against the number 2 or 3 corner, but instead were thrust up against some of the NFLs best from the getgo.

Anyway this year, hopefully they make the leap and we can see what they're really capable off.

 

[patsinthesnow]

@MikeReiss: Tom Brady on WR Kenbrell Thompkins: "I have a lot of confidence in him and a lot of trust."

@PhilAPerry: Biggest non-Gronk takeaway from today? Kenbrell Thompkins was invited to hang with Brady, Amendola, Edelman and Gronk during a side session.

I got 3 dislikes when I said KT was competing for a starting spot rather than a roster spot. Once Dobson returns to the practice field, it will be an intense competition between him/KT to start across Edelman.

I still hope that our starting trio ends up as Dobson, Edelman, KT, with Amendola/Lafell as backups.

 

[Brady6]

Anyone else really excited about what Brady has to work with for receivers this year? We stuck with the rookies last year, and I think it's really going to pay off this year with the 3 sophomores. Thompkins made some great catches today, Dobson is a deep threat and big play guy, and Boyce has a ton of potential as well. I am so excited to see their improvement this football season.

There's Edelman who we can count on from the slot, as well as Amendola who I cannot wait to see with a healthy groin. Everyone knew he couldn't get any separation in tight coverage last year, he couldn't make quick cuts to get open. This year it will be completely different from that standpoint.

And LaFell has some major explosiveness with the ball in his hands.

I am so jacked, Brady has the weapons on the outside and inside. It's not Denver's weapons, but it's a formidable group.

I'm excited for Edelman, Dobson, LaFell, and Boyce.

Thompkins was all the rage last camp too. I will have to see him live before I am sold.

Amendola everyone knows my opinion on so I will not belabor the point.

 

[RayClay]

Follow up to Brady praise of Thompkins.
High praise indeed.
"

Yeah, he made some great plays," said Brady. "I think he’s certainly capable of it. It’s exciting for a quarterback when you see a guy make those types of efforts and lay out and catch the ball like he did. He’s been doing that since he got here, and he’s another guy who’s put a lot of work in and fought really hard. It’s fun to be out there with him. I have a lot of confidence in him, a lot of trust. He’s a great guy. It’s fun to be out there with him."

"He works his tail off, so I think that’s one of his best attributes," said Brady. "There is nothing that has ever been given to him, so it’s great to see a competitor like that. And when your guys make plays like that, it just elevates the rest of the team. Not every play are you going to be open by 10 yards. Sometimes you’ve got to lay out and make the play, and that’s how you get to be a great offense. The plays that maybe are a bit unexpected – if you make those, then it just elevates your whole team."

New England Patriots Training Camp: WR Kenbrell Thompkins impresses Tom Brady, spectators | masslive.com

Dobson better kick into gear.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

I think it's in lafells best interest to get rid of the drops asap..his problem in Carolina. Can end up in Brady's dog house fast.

 

[Jackson 2]

I think it's in lafells best interest to get rid of the drops asap..his problem in Carolina. Can end up in Brady's dog house fast.

I had exactly the same thought this afternoon. It's way too early to come to any solid conclusions, but I just have a bad feeling about BL that I can't shake. I really hope I'm wrong. It certainly wouldn't be the first time.

 

[Brady_to_Moss]

I don't have a bad feeling...I am just keeping my expectations low

 

[pats4life12]

Dobson - 900
Thompkins - 850
Edelman/Amendola - 1150
Boyce - 100
Lefell - 300
Vereen - 400
White - 300
Gronk - 1000

I think that's a little low for Boyce I'm not expecting a huge year form him but I definitely think he will have more then 100 yards. I think he will have more yards then Lefell at the end of the season.

 

[PatFanCraig]

My projection for productivity

X-Dobson 60-75catches 1000-1100 yards 7-10 TDs
Z-Kenbrell 70-95 catches 1000-1300 yards 7-10 tds(rooting him for higher end of projections)
Slot Edelman 60-80 catches 500-800 yards 3-5 TDs
Amendola 25-70 catches 200-700 yards 2-4 TDs
Boyce (slot wildcard) 25-50 catches 350-800 yards 2-6 TDs
Vereen 40-80 catches 350-1000 yards 8-15 TDs total
Rushes 200-250 -800-1200 yards( hoping healthy year as our feature back)

Rooting for a big trade. Not Andre Johnson! We should trade for a standout Guard or Center! IF NECESSARY WE PART WITH MALLET AND #2 FOR A STANDOUT GUARD OR CENTER THATS ON HIS ROOKIE DEAL STILL. OR I PREFER CARL NICKS TRADE MOST OF ALL. HE TURNS OUR BIGGEST WEAKNESS, OUR INTERIOR OLINE, TO A STRENGTH/WEAPON! HE IS THE MOST DOMINANT/POWERFUL GUARD IN THE NFL. HE REESTABLISHES THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE AND MOVES HIS ENTIRE SIDE OF THE DLINE. SEAN PEYTON SAID HE IS ATHLETIC ENOUGH TO STANDOUT AT RT AND MAYBE EVEN LT. HAS THE TALENT OF #2 OVERALL PICK GREG ROBINSON. IF WE CANT RESTRUCTURE HIM FOR SALARY CAP WE SHOULD MAKE THE TRADE FOR A STANDOUT GUARD OR CENTER THATS CAP FRIENDLY ON HIS ROOKIE DEAL BUT BOUT TO BECOME AN UFA AND HIS TEAM DEALS HIM TO GET A RETURN BEFORE HE HITS THE OPEN MARKET. EVEN IF IT COSTS US A ROUND2 PICK. THINK ABOUT IT. REDUCES BRADYs RISK OF INJURY FOR ONE! ALLOWS BRADY TIME AND CONFIDENCE IN THE POCKET TO CARVE DEFENSES. IT ALLOWS OUR WRS TIME TO WORK OPEN AND TIME TO RUN EVERY ROUTE. It HELPS OUR YOUNG WRS DEVELOPMENT AND CONFIDENCE TO RUN ANY AND ALL ROUTES ANYWHERE ON THE FIELD AND PUT UP THE STATS LISTED ABOVE! BRADY AND OUR WEAPONS WILL MAKE DEFENSES HAVE TO GUARD EVERY SPEC OF THE FIELD AS BRADY WILL HAVE MORE TIME THAN EVER TO STEP UP AND MAKE ANY THROW WITH PRECISION AND ACCURACY. IF AND WHEN WE ADD A GUARD/CENTER OR SOMEBODY WHO IS GREAT AT BOTH AND OUR INTERIOR OLINE BECOMES A STRENGTH AS OPPOSED TO LAST YEARS ROLLER DERBY CREW WENDALL/CONNOLLY IT COULD VERY VERY VERY MUCH BECOME THE DIFFERENCE IN US WINNING THE SUPERBOWL FINALLY OR ANOTHER PLAYOFF BUTTKICKING. DUE TO BRADY AND WEAPONS HAVING NO TIME TO FUNCTION OR RUN EFFECTIVE DANGEROUS ROUTES. LAST YEAR MANY TIMES BRADY TOOK 3 QUICK STEPS BACK AND HAD TO THROW OR BE SACKED. DOMINANT OR EVEN VERY GOOD PROTECTION UP THE MIDDLE WITH OLINEMAN WHO CAN BLOCK THE BETTER DTs ONE ON ONE EFFICIENTLY WOULD ALLOW BRADY TO THROW UPRIGHT WITH UNMATCHED ACCURACY/PRECISION AND ALLOW OUR WRS TO REALISTICALLY PUT UP THOSE STATS. IT WOULD BE THE DIFFERENCE IN OUR OFFENSE FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS. PUT SIMPLY,NOT PARTING WITH A ROUND2 PICK TO FIX THE INTERIOR OLINE WOULD COST US A SUPERBOWL VICTORY!

 

[PatFanCraig]

We have some young guys but they are rookies. Stork is unproven and may not be ready even if he is pretty good in season or 2. For now he struggles with power one on one. A trade upgrades our oline for Superbowl run this season.

 

[mgteich]

I think that's a little low for Boyce I'm not expecting a huge year form him but I definitely think he will have more then 100 yards. I think he will have more yards then Lefell at the end of the season.

Bob has projected 5000 yards without ANY from our #2 TE, #3 TE, Ridley or our #4 RB. You think that Belichick will prefer Boyce to LeFell. Then why did Belichick pay so much for LeFell? In any case, even 400 yards for our #5 and #6 WR is a lot. The issue is health. With only one injury, LaFell and Boyce MAY total 400 yards. With two injuries, at least one of them will get opportunities.

 

[woolster22]

My projection for productivity

X-Dobson 60-75catches 1000-1100 yards 7-10 TDs
Z-Kenbrell 70-95 catches 1000-1300 yards 7-10 tds(rooting him for higher end of projections)
Slot Edelman 60-80 catches 500-800 yards 3-5 TDs
Amendola 25-70 catches 200-700 yards 2-4 TDs
Boyce (slot wildcard) 25-50 catches 350-800 yards 2-6 TDs
Vereen 40-80 catches 350-1000 yards 8-15 TDs total
Rushes 200-250 -800-1200 yards( hoping healthy year as our feature back)

Rooting for a big trade. Not Andre Johnson! We should trade for a standout Guard or Center! IF NECESSARY WE PART WITH MALLET AND #2 FOR A STANDOUT GUARD OR CENTER THATS ON HIS ROOKIE DEAL STILL. OR I PREFER CARL NICKS TRADE MOST OF ALL. HE TURNS OUR BIGGEST WEAKNESS, OUR INTERIOR OLINE, TO A STRENGTH/WEAPON! HE IS THE MOST DOMINANT/POWERFUL GUARD IN THE NFL. HE REESTABLISHES THE LINE OF SCRIMMAGE AND MOVES HIS ENTIRE SIDE OF THE DLINE. SEAN PEYTON SAID HE IS ATHLETIC ENOUGH TO STANDOUT AT RT AND MAYBE EVEN LT. HAS THE TALENT OF #2 OVERALL PICK GREG ROBINSON. IF WE CANT RESTRUCTURE HIM FOR SALARY CAP WE SHOULD MAKE THE TRADE FOR A STANDOUT GUARD OR CENTER THATS CAP FRIENDLY ON HIS ROOKIE DEAL BUT BOUT TO BECOME AN UFA AND HIS TEAM DEALS HIM TO GET A RETURN BEFORE HE HITS THE OPEN MARKET. EVEN IF IT COSTS US A ROUND2 PICK. THINK ABOUT IT. REDUCES BRADYs RISK OF INJURY FOR ONE! ALLOWS BRADY TIME AND CONFIDENCE IN THE POCKET TO CARVE DEFENSES. IT ALLOWS OUR WRS TIME TO WORK OPEN AND TIME TO RUN EVERY ROUTE. It HELPS OUR YOUNG WRS DEVELOPMENT AND CONFIDENCE TO RUN ANY AND ALL ROUTES ANYWHERE ON THE FIELD AND PUT UP THE STATS LISTED ABOVE! BRADY AND OUR WEAPONS WILL MAKE DEFENSES HAVE TO GUARD EVERY SPEC OF THE FIELD AS BRADY WILL HAVE MORE TIME THAN EVER TO STEP UP AND MAKE ANY THROW WITH PRECISION AND ACCURACY. IF AND WHEN WE ADD A GUARD/CENTER OR SOMEBODY WHO IS GREAT AT BOTH AND OUR INTERIOR OLINE BECOMES A STRENGTH AS OPPOSED TO LAST YEARS ROLLER DERBY CREW WENDALL/CONNOLLY IT COULD VERY VERY VERY MUCH BECOME THE DIFFERENCE IN US WINNING THE SUPERBOWL FINALLY OR ANOTHER PLAYOFF BUTTKICKING. DUE TO BRADY AND WEAPONS HAVING NO TIME TO FUNCTION OR RUN EFFECTIVE DANGEROUS ROUTES. LAST YEAR MANY TIMES BRADY TOOK 3 QUICK STEPS BACK AND HAD TO THROW OR BE SACKED. DOMINANT OR EVEN VERY GOOD PROTECTION UP THE MIDDLE WITH OLINEMAN WHO CAN BLOCK THE BETTER DTs ONE ON ONE EFFICIENTLY WOULD ALLOW BRADY TO THROW UPRIGHT WITH UNMATCHED ACCURACY/PRECISION AND ALLOW OUR WRS TO REALISTICALLY PUT UP THOSE STATS. IT WOULD BE THE DIFFERENCE IN OUR OFFENSE FIRING ON ALL CYLINDERS. PUT SIMPLY,NOT PARTING WITH A ROUND2 PICK TO FIX THE INTERIOR OLINE WOULD COST US A SUPERBOWL VICTORY!

 

[woolster22]

We have some young guys but they are rookies. Stork is unproven and may not be ready even if he is pretty good in season or 2. For now he struggles with power one on one. A trade upgrades our oline for Superbowl run this season.

Let me guess, Stork gets a red shirt IR year to lose a few pounds but gain muscle mass? Then he would have the raw explosive power to handle monster NT's solo!

If only he would get on the same training regimen as KT. Then the three of you could get a room while they exchange pumping iron for pumping you!

 

[Joker]

Carl Nicks ain't walkin' through that door....

 

[ripatsfan91]

I think it's in lafells best interest to get rid of the drops asap..his problem in Carolina. Can end up in Brady's dog house fast.

Boyce/LaFell battling for the last receiver spot.. who makes it? I was always higher on Thompkins than I was LaFell, but I think the one area we can use LaFell is with his blocking ability.

 

[patriot1136]

We should kick some serious ass this year