I don't know how many times we're going to go over this, but we don't really have the need for a true slot receiver any more!!!!!
You don't need many hands to count the number of times we use WW as a true slot receiver over the course of the season since the arrival of Hernandez.
On the contrary, Welker is still used in the slot a lot more than you are willing to acknowledge. Also, this shows a lack of knowledge on your part since there have been many times with Welker and Hernandez lined up next to one another, in the slot.
Edelman has to prove he can be valuable as a split end if he holds any promise for the future. I personally think he's a little over hyped by Pats fans but he's found a niche with us. He's not got the speed in my eyes to have any effect at split end either.
Wrong. Edelman has to prove that he can be valuable as a Patriots type receiver. Which means he has to be able to run the routes of the X,Y, and Z receivers. You'd know this if you knew anything about the Pats receiving corps. BTW, Edelman's 40 was a 4.52. More than enough speed to be a split end considering that Lloyd's 40 was a 4.62.
As long as Hernandez and Gronk are both getting on the field, we're going to need taller or at least speedier guys than JE who can be moved over outside the numbers. If he can't do that, here's not going to be a chance for him to show he's one of the better slot guys in the game. He may well be, but the role is limited here now.
That all bring said, I think you're over hyping him a tad. Has strong camps but hasn't been able to force out ageing receivers. With one year left, unless he does it this year, I can't see him having his contract renewed unless we are desperat to keep the numbers up.
What you and 99% of the rest of the fans have ignored is that this is Edelman's 4 year as a receiver EVER. It's not like he's been playing WR since he was 10 years old.
You're assessment of Edelman is fatally flawed. Edelman is about the average height of many WRs in the league. He's got plenty of speed to burn. What he hasn't had is the years of training that other receivers have had. And he's been improving on that according to many of the camp reports.
Also, your ignoring Edelman's contributions on special teams is laughable. He's a very good punt returner and he's filled in well on coverage units when he's been asked to do so. The fact that he's also been able to play some CB and not be the worst player on the field also says something.
You can sit there and be foolish with your assumptions about not needing this or that and with your ridiculous claims, but all they do is show your lack of knowledge on the situation. Much like your claims about Welker show your lack of knowledge about him as a receiver.
