Patriots Sign Two More WR Bodies

[Jackson 2]

There have been lots of opportunities. All these players are injured. If you need to wait another week to see them officially on Training Camp PUP list, so be it. We all understand that none of these players are ready to play.

Look, not trying to be a wiseass. If so, I apologize. But, Ballard isn't ready?

 

[Mack Herron]

Look, not trying to be a wiseass. If so, I apologize. But, Ballard isn't ready?

Ballard had, among other things (ACL), microfracture surgery for what is a pretty serious injury, and he is still limping.

 

[Jackson 2]

Ballard had, among other things (ACL), microfracture surgery for what is a pretty serious injury, and he is still limping.

Seems you are correct. If he's still limping 18 months later ( as he is), I would not be optimistic.

 

[Joker]

what???..are you kidding me?? you mean you've never heard of...

 

[captain stone]

either that, or flotsam and jetsam.

Except that would be an insult to flotsam & jetsam.

Seriously, where the feck does Bill find this crap?

 

[Sciz]

Seriously, where the feck does Bill find this crap?

There are roughly 2800 players on NFL rosters right now. That means that the average player signed right now isn't even one of the top 1000 players to not end up on a roster week 1. The standards are pretty low

 

[NEPettyOfficer72]

Well, he should. It's up to him as a captain and the clear leader of the team to "love training camp." Would you expect him to mope around, ***** and moan and generally feel sorry for himself? This whining about how there's no one for him to throw to is pure BS. He has Amendola (who, contrary to popular opinion, is not dead), Ballard, who all of the Giants' fans told us was Gronk's equal 2 years ago (now, of course, they say he's always sucked), Gronk (who, also, contrary to popular opinion is also not dead), two highly-regarded draft choice WRs, Edelman (who according to some experts here sucks), and on and on. I'm guessing Tom feels a whole lot less poorly about training camp than you do.

I agree, he is the clear cut best quarterback in the NFL (Rodgers needs to get past first playoff round), and in the history of the game, and the leader and voice of the team. And it also wouldn't hurt to have Danny Amendola who is healthy now, and in every which way better then Wes Welker and offers so much more and more accomplished coming into NE then Wes was coming in to NE. It also doesn't hurt to have Julian Edelman, a guy with a wide variety of skillset and explosiveness who is healing and two highly regarded draft picks with more skill, potential and upside then any draft picks we've had at receiver since Givens and Branch.

 

[NEPettyOfficer72]

Ballard had, among other things (ACL), microfracture surgery for what is a pretty serious injury, and he is still limping.

That's another thing, people are starting to take injuries to a whole new level like its all of a sudden a new plague that you CAN'T recover from when. It's always been part of the game, and players have always been able to recover from injuries unless it is a career threatening type.

 

[micronin127]

It's interesting that a decent amount of WR's in training camp are pretty big, Dobson, Harrison, Jenkins and Sims are all 6'3" or taller and 200lbs or bigger.

The teams that had the most success containing Patriots (Ravens, Steelers, Jets) all did the same thing with a picket fence that manhandled our smallish receivers at the line and allowed their pass rush to get to Brady.

This is an obvious adjustment. Get more physical WRs who can hopefully defeat press coverage. Of course, if they are just big and not also athletic or fast, that won't help. Every big WR is not Anquan Boldin or Marques Colston.

 

[SONS_OF_BELICHICK]

Its going to be an exciting camp....as its not business as usual.....I think the young bucks at WR are going to surprise ....big time

 

[situational_awareness]

Brady and BB will turn some of these guys into Pro Bowlers by the time it's all said and done.

 

[RodThePat]

The great ones overcome adversity; I expect Brady to have one of his best season.

Brady's overcome enough adversity, he doesn't have to prove to anyone that he can get things done with below average wideouts. He's at a stage in his career where the team should be supplying him with enough weapons to facilitate him being successful.

 

[PatsWickedPissah]

Perez Ashford highlights...

Perez Ashford #7 WR - NIU Highlights - YouTube

What's impressive is not the opposition but his go up for the ball athleticism.

My man, Perez Hilton could be a sleepah!

That is, assuming BB doesn't cut him before camp.

 

[Uncle Rico]

Perez Ashford highlights...

Perez Ashford #7 WR - NIU Highlights - YouTube

What's impressive is not the opposition but his go up for the ball athleticism..

Kind of reminds me of Lloyd. Except Lloyd made catches look dramatic when no one was around him. THis guy does it covered.

More on Ashford:

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | Futures: Unknown, Unsung, and Underappreciated

 

[NEPettyOfficer72]

Kind of reminds me of Lloyd. Except Lloyd made catches look dramatic when no one was around him. THis guy does it covered.

More on Ashford:

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | Futures: Unknown, Unsung, and Underappreciated

This guy has great fight for the ball, and Lloyd doesn't.

 

[manxman2601]

Agree with the three above. I like his body control to make those contested catches, particularly on the sideline.

Matt Waldman who writes the Rookie Scouting Portfolio and is a fan of Kenbrell Thompkins, likes Ashford:

I doubt he’s drafted, but his skills are more promising than half the receivers who will get picked. This highlight tape demonstrates a lot about Ashford’s game:
Good footwork off the line.
Fast breaks on his routes.
Works back to the ball while maintaining route depth.
Ability to give that little extra to say inside the boundary and gain extra yards.
He’s a decent return specialist, but it’s his skill as a receiver that is eye-opening.
At one point I thought it was a good idea to think of Ashford as a player with a style like Stedman Bailey, but one who would have to prove his worth on special teams. But after additional looks, I’m thinking he has enough upside that he might not have to do that. If Ashford can stay healthy, perhaps he can get to test his act in front of a tougher crowd.

FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | Futures: Unknown, Unsung, and Underappreciated

 

[Gumby]

Perez Ashford highlights...

Perez Ashford #7 WR - NIU Highlights - YouTube

What's impressive is not the opposition but his go up for the ball athleticism.

My man, Perez Hilton could be a sleepah!

That is, assuming BB doesn't cut him before camp.

On reading the headline that BB had signed these guys my first thought was.....

BB is trying to fill up the PS with developmental guys for when 50% of the other ones (FAs and draft picks) dont cut it.

After watching the video, I have to say .... OPINION UNCHANGED.
I loved the way he took balls away in traffic. And he did seem good at getting off the press at the line; but he was playing at NORTHERN ILLINOIS (so generally against lesser competition) and I didnt see him creating a real lot of SEPARATION on his routes at all against that second (NCAA) tier of defensive talent.

If he cant get separation; the NFL quality DBs will be taking those balls FROM him. Not to mention that if he doesnt have separation --- TB AINT EVEN GOING TO THROW HIS DIRECTION; so it just wont matter.

So he may be a guy who can get better and will be there for pats in 2014 or 2015; but I wouldn't expect much in the 13/14 season.

But I love the theory of the UDFA underdog making the team and becoming a star.... so hope it works out.

 

[jah]

Agree with the three above. I like his body control to make those contested catches, particularly on the sideline.

Matt Waldman who writes the Rookie Scouting Portfolio and is a fan of Kenbrell Thompkins, likes Ashford:



FOOTBALL OUTSIDERS: Innovative Statistics, Intelligent Analysis | Futures: Unknown, Unsung, and Underappreciated

I wanted Bailey so badly...gonna be real pissed if he tears it up for the Rams. Wheaton and Swope too.

 

[Claremonster]

either that, or flotsam and jetsam.

Flotsam And Jetsam, Jetsam - Swatting At Flies - YouTube

 

[Sciz]

Swope too.

Well I don't think you need to worry about him being good, considering he couldn't even take part in non-contact practices this offseason because of his concussion symptoms.