We Do Not Need Any More Receivers

[maverick4]

Receiver is not an area of need for this team. We almost reached the Superbowl with what we had, and came up short in that game mostly due to a tanked/injured defense, a missed Caldwell catch, and two bad penalties (Troy Brown PI and Ellis Hobbs PI). We can win with our receivers, and they are not as big a liability as people here seem to think.

Among our receivers...Reche Caldwell out-performed Branch this year. Jabar Gaffney came in and immediately produced for us. Chad Jackson, as his HS and college history have shown, always comes back strong in his second year after learning a new system. We still have Troy as well.

We have stacked our offense with talent over the past two years, and they just need an off-season to gel. Our primary needs this year in free agency and the draft, in order of importance, are:
- Inside Linebacker: a run-stuffer who can also cover tight ends
- Safety: a Rodney replacement
- Cornerback: only if Asante isn't coming back
- Get Josh McDaniels in the film room and have him scout his own tendencies and faults

 

[Kdo5]

I think we definitley should get an FA WR or draft one if there is anyone we like. Caldwell did a good job this year(Branch and him really shouldnt be compared due to the fact that Branch spent a good deal of his season with Seneca Wallace I think.)

Gaffney really impressed me in the post season, I guess we will see how he does next year. I am optimistic that Chad Jackson will take a bigger role next year. And Troy may or may not retire. But none the less, getting an FA WR(doesnt have to be a superstar) or draft one. But we can use another at least.

 

[Remix 6]

if WR aint a need then why is Safety?

future replacement for Troy.
safety: future replacement for Rodney

i think Sanders is the replacment though.

 

[Stokes]

While I don't think receiver is the #1 need for this team in the offseason, (LB depth is #1 for me), I'd put it as a tie at #2, either DB or WR. There are still too many question marks for me, such as: will Chad Jackson develop like we hope he does? Will Troy Brown play, and will another year diminish his effectiveness more? Will Gaffney be able to keep up his end-of-year production, or was that a fluke of defenses not being familiar with him? Again, I'm not saying they CAN'T go into next year without more WRs, I'd still say its an area of the team that needs major upgrades. If Jarrett or Ginn Jr is available at #24, do you take them, or grab the #1 LB in the draft? I take one of those guys first.

 

[The Predator]

ppaaaaaaaaahhhhaaaaaahhhaaaaaaahhhaaaaaaahaaaaaaaa

 

[Remix 6]

WR isnt really a round 1 need but i wouldnt mind round 2-3 WR

 

[Kdo5]

WR isnt really a round 1 need but i wouldnt mind round 2-3 WR

I'd like to find who the FA WR's are this year, dunno where...the 2007 FA thing was all messed up for me...

 

[Seneschal2]

No different than other positions...if we have a chance to upgrade -- we'll do it.

Either way, with a healthy Jackson, the addition of the now experienced Gaffney and Caldwell, and the hopeful return of Troy, we'll field a more impressive group than the three who dressed on opening day (Caldwell/Brown/Childress).

 

[AzPatsFan]

its almost impossible with all the draft picks not to get a WR. I think they sign a FA proven vet, but not a star.

The specific need they have is for a deep receiver. Caldwell and Gaffney have size, speed and hands so the are the faster possession types. CJ didn't do his part nor did Gabriel. They need the deeper threat. Someone who has a resume` like Kevin Johnson, Andre Davis or David Patten. Now Andre turned out not to have the head for this Offense, nor did Gabriel, but KJ might, and DP definitely did.

But your thesis that they really don't "need" a fifth receiver is apt. CJ will develop. Major improvement will come from simple repetition and familiarity from day one.

 

[MrBigglesWorth]

While I do believe the Pats should draft heavily on defense, I would not be shocked if they drafted Dwayne Bowe in the first round.

Imagine if they do. Next year would be an introductory year for Bowe and I think CJ will have a decent year, but I see the explosion with wr's in 2008. Stats indicate CJ breaks out in his 3rd year.

Imagine having Gaffney, Caldwell, CJ, and Bowe in our stable of wr's. I'd say that is a healthy compliment of wr's.

 

[patsox23]

Receiver is not an area of need for this team. We almost reached the Superbowl with what we had, and came up short in that game mostly due to a tanked/injured defense, a missed Caldwell catch, and two bad penalties (Troy Brown PI and Ellis Hobbs PI). We can win with our receivers, and they are not as big a liability as people here seem to think.

Among our receivers...Reche Caldwell out-performed Branch this year. Jabar Gaffney came in and immediately produced for us. Chad Jackson, as his HS and college history have shown, always comes back strong in his second year after learning a new system. We still have Troy as well.

We have stacked our offense with talent over the past two years, and they just need an off-season to gel. Our primary needs this year in free agency and the draft, in order of importance, are:
- Inside Linebacker: a run-stuffer who can also cover tight ends
- Safety: a Rodney replacement
- Cornerback: only if Asante isn't coming back
- Get Josh McDaniels in the film room and have him scout his own tendencies and faults

GOD

BLESS

MAVERICK!!!!


Thank you for being a voice in the F-ing insane wilderness of this site. The Patriots may have looked iffy at WR early in the year. Fine. Chad Jackson did pretty much nothing as a rookie. Fine. BUT:

Caldwell had a very good year and is now fully acclimated to the system.

Gaffney really put it together once he learned the system, and had a very solid post-season.

Chad Jackson, while deeply disappointing, was a rookie who missed all of T.C. He showed flashes and while that doesn't prove a thing, the fact that most rookies make a big jump from freshman to sophomore, makes me feel okay about him. Especially considering, as Maverick points out, Chad's history in terms of blossoming in his 2nd and 3rd years. I'm very excitied to see how he looks in training camp.

The Patriots did not lose to the Colts because of their WRs. Were they perfect? No. But the offense did put up plenty of points. You people going off about WR being our #1 priority are way, WAY too spoiled by the Deion Branch effect. The vast majority of top-ranked college WRs do not come in and pick up a system - especially one as complex as the Patriots' - from Day One.

Be patient. Breathe. And draft LB/CB.

 

[Remix 6]

actually i take back about WR not being 1 of the top needs

if Chad doesnt get it together..what happens? Gaffney and Caldwell aint stretching the field...teams still wont play off us..they will stack the box again. but then again..not all rnd 1 WRs are sucessfull..waiting to late 2nd-3rd might be good

note to BB: do not run suprise 40 yard dashes this year..we know Chad is fast

 

[patsox23]

Having said what I just said, I wouldn't hate it if BB/Pioli felt a guy like, say, Robert Meacham is too much value to pass up. I just think the hysteria surrounding our WR corps is over the top and short-sighted.

Considering how complex an adjustment this was over the course of a regular season, I'd say Brady & Co. did a nice job putting points on hte board. Trial-by-fire isn't generally as successful as one-minute-from-making-it-4-out-of-6-Super-Bowls.

 

[Kdo5]

GOD

BLESS

MAVERICK!!!!


Thank you for being a voice in the F-ing insane wilderness of this site. The Patriots may have looked iffy at WR early in the year. Fine. Chad Jackson did pretty much nothing as a rookie. Fine. BUT:

Caldwell had a very good year and is now fully acclimated to the system.

Gaffney really put it together once he learned the system, and had a very solid post-season.

Chad Jackson, while deeply disappointing, was a rookie who missed all of T.C. He showed flashes and while that doesn't prove a thing, the fact that most rookies make a big jump from freshman to sophomore, makes me feel okay about him. Especially considering, as Maverick points out, Chad's history in terms of blossoming in his 2nd and 3rd years. I'm very excitied to see how he looks in training camp.

The Patriots did not lose to the Colts because of their WRs. Were they perfect? No. But the offense did put up plenty of points. You people going off about WR being our #1 priority are way, WAY too spoiled by the Deion Branch effect. The vast majority of top-ranked college WRs do not come in and pick up a system - especially one as complex as the Patriots' - from Day One.

Be patient. Breathe. And draft LB/CB.

It felt like Caldwell's dismal drop and our defense unable to stop them made us lose...but I do not hate Caldwell for it. He had an impressive year and a few great plays in the Chargers game which really got respect from me. Gaffney had a great postseason and I was really impressed with that catch he made against the Colts. The push out. I'm glad we have both of these WR's next year but I'd like another to go along with.

 

[Jimke]

Linebacker and cornerback are the primary needs for 2007. As

mentioned, the Pats also need safeties as future replacements for

Rodney Harrision and Eugene Wilson.

While not a critical need, the wide receiver position cannot be ignored

completely. Jabar Gaffney and Reche Caldwell are free agents after 2007

and may opt for bigger bucks. If he returns in 2007, Troy Brown will be

36 starting training camp. Chad Jackson is still an unknown quantity.

The Pats could be in worse shape in 2008 for wide receivers than this year.

Either in free agency or the draft, they have to come up with another

wide receiver or two.

 

[frankiesfly]

I'd like to find who the FA WR's are this year, dunno where...the 2007 FA thing was all messed up for me...

This is the site i use. Donte Stallworth wold be a nice addition.



http://www.footballsfuture.com/2007/nfl/freeagentsWR.html

 

[dhamz]

We don't need more WRs, we just need better ones than the 5 we had.

 

[Remix 6]

Linebacker and cornerback are the primary needs for 2007. As

mentioned, the Pats also need safeties as future replacements for

Rodney Harrision and Eugene Wilson.

While not a critical need, the wide receiver position cannot be ignored

completely. Jabar Gaffney and Reche Caldwell are free agents after 2007

and may opt for bigger bucks. If he returns in 2007, Troy Brown will be

36 starting training camp. Chad Jackson is still an unknown quantity.

The Pats could be in worse shape in 2008 for wide receivers than this year.

Either in free agency or the draft, they have to come up with another

wide receiver or two.

well we have 1 replacment for the safeties..Sanders..Hawkins isnt that good honestly..and hes over 30 isnt he?

Hawkins is a very good backup for as a starter..im not very comfortable unless he has a lot of talent around him..near end of season he looked vulnerable in open field and deep passes when he is alone

 

[maverick4]

We don't need more WRs, we just need better ones than the 5 we had.

Why? Our receivers are not to blame for our playoff loss. We put up plenty of points in the playoffs and regular season. Our aging and injury-prone LB's and safeties were the main cause of our loss (as well as two dubious PI calls).

 

[PATRIOTS-80]

Well JoeSixPat won't agree with you. Nevertheless, the problem is that there are not a lot of FA WR worth the $$$$ they are going to get and who will upgrade the position. Maybe Stallworth or Ashlie Lelie, but that's about it....

Gaffney and Calwell on paper are the starters, CJ will have his first training camp. We will see if Troy will come back one more year. There is a spot for a WR to be drafted (which I think they will, but not in the 1st round), but BB probably won't sign a WR FA star. If he signs anybody, it will probably be a FA JAG, much like Caldwell and Gaffney.