Deion Branch - will he make the roster next season?

[Leemo]

simple question really. I know people o n other pats sites saying there is no way he makes the cut this year but I believe him to be EASILY more valuable than Ocho, Stallworth, Gonzalaez and even Edelman (purely as a receiver)

I know hes not getting any younger but I hope he makes the cut and I honestly believe he will...

Please enlighten me if thats not the case guys

Thanks

 

[mgteich]

Do you mean this season (2012) or next season (2013)?

simple question really. I know people o n other pats sites saying there is no way he makes the cut this year but I believe him to be EASILY more valuable than Ocho, Stallworth, Gonzalaez and even Edelman (purely as a receiver)

I know hes not getting any younger but I hope he makes the cut and I honestly believe he will...

Please enlighten me if thats not the case guys

Thanks

 

[Leemo]

I mean the season that will begin in a few months 2012. The 'next' season...

 

[jbb9s]

simple question really. I know people o n other pats sites saying there is no way he makes the cut this year but I believe him to be EASILY more valuable than Ocho, Stallworth, Gonzalaez and even Edelman (purely as a receiver)

I know hes not getting any younger but I hope he makes the cut and I honestly believe he will...

Please enlighten me if thats not the case guys

Thanks

did you guys know that in Branch's last four seasons with this organization, the Patriots' record is 55-9? Yes, he is valuable.

 

[RIpats88]

ya, alot of people seem to talk about Branch like he was totally inept last year...he still had 40+ catches 700yards and 5TD's

alot of that is brady, but Branch just simply knows how to be in the right spots...he clearly no longer can be a #2 Wide reciever...but

 

[MP-Logick]

If anyone doesn't think Deion Branch will be on the roster next season, I will enjoy your shock and surprise when he makes it. BB found a spot for Kevin Faulk last season - a far more productive Branch will be back.

 

[Leemo]

ya, alot of people seem to talk about Branch like he was totally inept last year...he still had 40+ catches 700yards and 5TD's

alot of that is brady, but Branch just simply knows how to be in the right spots...he clearly no longer can be a #2 Wide reciever...but

I've been watching all last seasons games back again. The amount of 1st downs (especially 3rd down conversions) that Branch was the go to guy for is unreal. If Brady feels the pressure Branch is like a security blanket at times. I know alot of this is because Welker/Gronk are doubled but still, hes important to us i mo...

 

[Triumph]

ya, alot of people seem to talk about Branch like he was totally inept last year...he still had 40+ catches 700yards and 5TD's

alot of that is brady, but Branch just simply knows how to be in the right spots...he clearly no longer can be a #2 Wide reciever...but

The last NE drive in the SB46 Brady hit Branch for 1st down. IIRC, it was 4th and long.

 

[Calciumee]

Oh good, a thread about a wide receiver!

 

[patsfan13]

Currently we have a number of WR competiting for 2 slots, IMO.

Branch, Stallworth, Ocho, Gonzalez, Underwood + DP or PS guys.

Absent injuries (and ther will be injuries) I would say Branch and Stallworth. Gonzalez has been injuried too often I doubt his ability to get through camp healthy + how much have all the injuries taken from him, Ocho due toproblems playing in this O. Underwood not enough talent.

 

[rookBoston]

Branch will make the team. He knows the offense, is reliable and Brady loves him.

 

[The Scrizz]

I like Deion and I knew that he's be back on a small 1 year deal. He tried the 'get paid' route once. While he might not be a great starter anymore there is probably nobody who is on the same page as Brady more than he is.

Welker, Lloyd, Branch, Edelman, rookie, and whoever wins the Gonzalez, Stallworth, Ocho, Underwood, etc free-for-all.

I'm personally hoping Gonzalez stays healthy and shows something but that's probably like hoping Rex is quiet and stops eating ******* snacks.

 

[pdangle]

It's a pretty simple analysis with an unclear outcome.

1) Was he hampered by injury last season (probably, but how much)?
2) Was he slowing down with age (again, probably, but how much)?
3) Will either affect him going forward. (you guessed it...) ?

If he's in-shape, healthy, used properly and the Pats limit his wear throughout the season, I agree he should make the team no problem.

That's why I agree with the approach of wait and see and minimal commitment.

 

[BradyFTW!]

I think he's pretty much a 50/50 shot, at this point. If nothing else, he's a known quantity. Ochicinco, Stallworth, and Gonzalez all have a higher ceiling as far as what they can offer the team, but in the not-unlikely event that they don't pan out, then we'll have Branch. Individually, I think the odds are against any one of those guys panning out, but between the three of them it wouldn't surprise me at all if one of them turn out to be valuable.

Personally, I think the ideal scenario is that Stallworth impresses and ends up on the field in 3WR sets, relegating Branch to WR4.

 

[Gumby]

I think he's pretty much a 50/50 shot, at this point. If nothing else, he's a known quantity. Ochicinco, Stallworth, and Gonzalez all have a higher ceiling as far as what they can offer the team, but in the not-unlikely event that they don't pan out, then we'll have Branch. Individually, I think the odds are against any one of those guys panning out, but between the three of them it wouldn't surprise me at all if one of them turn out to be valuable.

Personally, I think the ideal scenario is that Stallworth impresses and ends up on the field in 3WR sets, relegating Branch to WR4.

agree w/ the 50-50 and he would get the benefit in a push with someone else by preseason looks.

BUT, all the same - i think by the time the final 53 are named he is either on the BB shadow roster waiting for a phone call or he announces his retirement. I think age has caught up with him and BB is just throwing too much wr stuff at the wall to see what sticks. Then again; I thought Kevin F wouldn't make the team last year; so what do i know.

 

[MoLewisrocks]

Bill doesn't generally re-sign core guys unless he anticipates them making the roster. For what they were paying him last season and what they are likely paying him this season his experience in the system and rapore with Brady makes him a value bargain. 700 yards and 51 catches and 5 TD's isn't chopped liver at any point in the season. Absent it we might have struggled as a 3 seed and never made it to another super bowl. Not to mention Branch was on the field for a majority of offensive snaps all season and doing all the little things that helped Welker and the TE's succeed particularly in the hurry up offense we often had to employ in order to pull out wins. Fantasy stats don't quantify that sort of contribution, but coaches know how to.

 

[cstjohn17]

Take your pick (2 of the 3) should make it.
- Branch, Stallworth, Gonzales, LLoyd

Assuming Lloyd is a lock the rest fight for one spot, not much room for aging WRs who don't contribute on special teams.

 

[patsfan13]

Bill doesn't generally re-sign core guys unless he anticipates them making the roster. For what they were paying him last season and what they are likely paying him this season his experience in the system and rapore with Brady makes him a value bargain. 700 yards and 51 catches and 5 TD's isn't chopped liver at any point in the season. Absent it we might have struggled as a 3 seed and never made it to another super bowl. Not to mention Branch was on the field for a majority of offensive snaps all season and doing all the little things that helped Welker and the TE's succeed particularly in the hurry up offense we often had to employ in order to pull out wins. Fantasy stats don't quantify that sort of contribution, but coaches know how to.

The plan wasn't (IMO) to have him on the field for that many snaps. If hi s% of snaps are reduced to situations that fit his strnegths he will be more productive on a per snap basis.

 

[DW Toys]

I think he's pretty much a 50/50 shot, at this point. If nothing else, he's a known quantity. Ochicinco, Stallworth, and Gonzalez all have a higher ceiling as far as what they can offer the team, but in the not-unlikely event that they don't pan out, then we'll have Branch. Individually, I think the odds are against any one of those guys panning out, but between the three of them it wouldn't surprise me at all if one of them turn out to be valuable.

Personally, I think the ideal scenario is that Stallworth impresses and ends up on the field in 3WR sets, relegating Branch to WR4.

Excellent post. The question was asked if DB makes the Team. In a word...no. I was puzzled they spent money on him. Excellent dude. Excellent history with the Team and I would not be surprised if TB said "I will restructure if you resign DB". He is winding down.

Question:
We all agree he can be covered up singly now. His separation is gone. His catches and those for third downs in 2011 were what the Defenses gave to TB versus Welker, Hernandez and Gronk. That is a no brainer. Any pro WR could beat those situations where you are not covered tight.

I would be concerned that we let this fleet of WRs dictate the roster from any youngsters we could pick up in the Draft. We can all argue who the rookies could be, but these older or maimed WRs take reps away that a spectacular young Wide Out happens.

As all out there know I prefer the proven Vet over the rookie if all things are equal, but I think sentiment caused DB to be signed, not presnt 2012 talent. Most WR would have his numbers with this offense. Don't throw Ocho at me. Everyone here saw he was open and did not get the throws in the SB and last part of the season. He was not good the first part, but he got open quite often the last part of the season. I get throwing it to Welker, Hernandez and Gronk, but in my opinion, I agree with this post. Ocho has more upside and would have perhaps more receptions than the more easily covered Branch and I don't know if Ocho even makes the Team. Same with Stallworth and Gonzo.
DW Toys

 

[Joker]

Excellent post. The question was asked if DB makes the Team. In a word...no. I was puzzled they spent money on him. Excellent dude. Excellent history with the Team and I would not be surprised if TB said "I will restructure if you resign DB". He is winding down.

Question:
We all agree he can be covered up singly now. His separation is gone. His catches and those for third downs in 2011 were what the Defenses gave to TB versus Welker, Hernandez and Gronk. That is a no brainer. Any pro WR could beat those situations where you are not covered tight.

I would be concerned that we let this fleet of WRs dictate the roster from any youngsters we could pick up in the Draft. We can all argue who the rookies could be, but these older or maimed WRs take reps away that a spectacular young Wide Out happens.

As all out there know I prefer the proven Vet over the rookie if all things are equal, but I think sentiment caused DB to be signed, not presnt 2012 talent. Most WR would have his numbers with this offense. Don't throw Ocho at me. Everyone here saw he was open and did not get the throws in the SB and last part of the season. He was not good the first part, but he got open quite often the last part of the season. I get throwing it to Welker, Hernandez and Gronk, but in my opinion, I agree with this post. Ocho has more upside and would have perhaps more receptions than the more easily covered Branch and I don't know if Ocho even makes the Team. Same with Stallworth and Gonzo.
DW Toys

weird..let me see here...uh..LT,LG,C,RG,RT...that's five...QB makes six...single running back makes seven...then Gronk(no brainer), Hernandez(no brainer),Welker(no brainer)..I KNOW I'm missing somebody...and I don't see him in this post above....dyam...OH...WAIT...of course..Brandon Lloyd...that's eleven...so...why is Branch such a hot button topic???..empty backfield with five receivers and you have Ocho signed and a known quantity is Stallworth...the Pats carried FIVE WR's on active last season..that included Edelman and Slater...OK, Welker,Lloyd,Ocho,Stallworth ,Branch..means Gonzo is gone-zo, no special teams Slater and Edelman moving to the defensive backfield?..or cut...right...keeping Branch weakens the team in two areas, versatility and special teams...I really can't see how he makes this squad unless Stallworth is 100% all done, Gonzalez is a cripple, and Ocho is still immune to the playbook.