We can speculate and make every suggestion possible, but in reality, we won't know anything until this process shakes out and until Training Camp and Preseason start.
While it doesn't look good for Hernandez based on numerous (albeit conflicting) reports, he is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. That is our level of burden of proof in a criminal case. Hernandez could very well avoid any jail time, and could perhaps avoid suspension. Who really knows at this point? He could also very well be sent to prison, suspended, released/traded... all options are on the table.
In Training Camp, things start to get a little more live. Who is taking reps over who starts to actually mean something, as depth charts are beginning to officially form. It is from here through preseason that all eyes will be on Dobson and Boyce, as well as Amendola. If those 3 can pick up the slack and show an understanding of the offense and a rapport with Brady, then we will all feel much better about Michael Jenkins, Julian Edelman, and whoever else may be in serious competition for a roster spot.
Training Camp will also be where the Tight End battle plays out. Who is healthy/available? If Hernandez makes it this far, is he really in the clear? Will the Krafts trust him? surely his presence would make us all feel better from a football perspective. Otherwise, the team will be looking for a capable stopgap for Gronkowski, and a possible "replacement" for Hernandez.
As Training Camp and Preseason move along, I can easily see the Patriots potentially adding another veteran WR/TE to the groups, either through trade or after camp cuts. Specifically, I'll be looking at the Eagles and Buccaneers rosters, as the Patriots will have joint practices with both teams this offseason.
As I've stated before, barring a veteran addition, and assuming Hernandez will be unavailable for the sake of discussion, the Patriots will likely enter 2013 with a WR core of:
- Danny Amendola
- Josh Boyce
- Aaron Dobson
- Julian Edelman
- Michael Jenkins
- Matthew Slater
... And a TE core of:
- Jake Ballard
- Daniel Fells
- Michael Hoomanawanui
- Zach Sudfeld (Just a name, right now. Team would likely want 2 "Move" TEs)
While these skill positions are easily as barren as they were in 2006, the offense still possess a top-5 Offensive Line, a young, dynamic group of Running Backs, and I think that Tom Brady guy is a capable Quarterback, no?
It will definitely be a battle early on until Gronkowski returns. This defense has to step up for the team, and thankfully, it seems like the pieces are in place for something that is competitive.
While it doesn't look good for Hernandez based on numerous (albeit conflicting) reports, he is innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. That is our level of burden of proof in a criminal case. Hernandez could very well avoid any jail time, and could perhaps avoid suspension. Who really knows at this point? He could also very well be sent to prison, suspended, released/traded... all options are on the table.
In Training Camp, things start to get a little more live. Who is taking reps over who starts to actually mean something, as depth charts are beginning to officially form. It is from here through preseason that all eyes will be on Dobson and Boyce, as well as Amendola. If those 3 can pick up the slack and show an understanding of the offense and a rapport with Brady, then we will all feel much better about Michael Jenkins, Julian Edelman, and whoever else may be in serious competition for a roster spot.
Training Camp will also be where the Tight End battle plays out. Who is healthy/available? If Hernandez makes it this far, is he really in the clear? Will the Krafts trust him? surely his presence would make us all feel better from a football perspective. Otherwise, the team will be looking for a capable stopgap for Gronkowski, and a possible "replacement" for Hernandez.
As Training Camp and Preseason move along, I can easily see the Patriots potentially adding another veteran WR/TE to the groups, either through trade or after camp cuts. Specifically, I'll be looking at the Eagles and Buccaneers rosters, as the Patriots will have joint practices with both teams this offseason.
As I've stated before, barring a veteran addition, and assuming Hernandez will be unavailable for the sake of discussion, the Patriots will likely enter 2013 with a WR core of:
- Danny Amendola
- Josh Boyce
- Aaron Dobson
- Julian Edelman
- Michael Jenkins
- Matthew Slater
... And a TE core of:
- Jake Ballard
- Daniel Fells
- Michael Hoomanawanui
- Zach Sudfeld (Just a name, right now. Team would likely want 2 "Move" TEs)
While these skill positions are easily as barren as they were in 2006, the offense still possess a top-5 Offensive Line, a young, dynamic group of Running Backs, and I think that Tom Brady guy is a capable Quarterback, no?
It will definitely be a battle early on until Gronkowski returns. This defense has to step up for the team, and thankfully, it seems like the pieces are in place for something that is competitive.
