Deion Branch, WR NE
News: According to an unconfirmed source, CBS SportsLine.com has learned that WR Deion Branch, holding out of Patriots camp, is planning a return to the team within a week. The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity but does have knowledge of the situation, says Branch wants to "pull a T.O." and do whatever it takes to force the team to trade him, release him or not franchise tag him. Branch is in the final year of his contract, which pays him a little over $1 million -- a bargain considering the salaries of players around the league with a profile as high as Branch. The Patriots recently gave Branch time to seek a trade with another club, but as of now no trade is expected to happen.
Analysis: Based on what we've seen this preseason, the Patriots need Branch more than Branch needs the Patriots. He's a fantastic receiver capable of 900-to-1,000-yard seasons and can break short catches into long runs. As of now, Branch is slipping in drafts into middle-round territory, and that's a bargain considering that he'll play for a chunk of the regular season, if not all 16 games, most likely for the Patriots. Consider him a fair No. 2 Fantasy WR worth a pick between Rounds 6 and 8. He should be drafted once most of the top-25 wideouts are snagged.
News: According to an unconfirmed source, CBS SportsLine.com has learned that WR Deion Branch, holding out of Patriots camp, is planning a return to the team within a week. The source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity but does have knowledge of the situation, says Branch wants to "pull a T.O." and do whatever it takes to force the team to trade him, release him or not franchise tag him. Branch is in the final year of his contract, which pays him a little over $1 million -- a bargain considering the salaries of players around the league with a profile as high as Branch. The Patriots recently gave Branch time to seek a trade with another club, but as of now no trade is expected to happen.
Analysis: Based on what we've seen this preseason, the Patriots need Branch more than Branch needs the Patriots. He's a fantastic receiver capable of 900-to-1,000-yard seasons and can break short catches into long runs. As of now, Branch is slipping in drafts into middle-round territory, and that's a bargain considering that he'll play for a chunk of the regular season, if not all 16 games, most likely for the Patriots. Consider him a fair No. 2 Fantasy WR worth a pick between Rounds 6 and 8. He should be drafted once most of the top-25 wideouts are snagged.
