The
first epic Caldwell thread was prior to the Moss trade. At that time, a Stallworth/Caldwell starting lineup was in the Pats' best interest.
The
second epic Caldwell thread was after the Moss trade but prior to the Brown signing (or prior to the Brown agreement - he hasn't officially signed yet). At that time, a Moss/Stallworth starting lineup with Caldwell at #4 seemed most logical.
The thing is, if Caldwell is not in the #2 spot, he immediately slips down to the #5 spot, as Welker and Brown would conceivably lock up the two slot/situational slots.
The #5 WR spot is one of the more interesting spots on an NFL roster. A team has to decide what kind of player they want there. Usually, a team chooses a kick return specialist for their #5 (or #6) spot. But in this case, Welker is actually the returner at 3, along with Faulk, Maroney, Hobbs, etc. Assuming Caldwell can adequately perform in other special team roles as a #5 WR (i.e. Jackson as a gunner - and Jackson is a whole other story we'll be watching over the next few weeks), then that leaves the Pats with another option at #5: depth. And Reche Caldwell would easily be the best #4 WR in the league, nevermind the #5. So having Caldwell there at #5 would provide the Pats with superior depth if anyone from 1-4 were to go down or not perform.
Therefore, I think the Patriots will assess the situation as it progresses in camp. A lot depends on how Jackson does, if the Patriots feel they have the capacity to carry 6 WRs, and how Gaffney and Washington perform. And in the end, Bioli will decide if trading Caldwell or having him as depth will be better for the New England Patriots football team now and in the future.
