A few thoughts
1. I think having the division and bye locked up by game 16 will allow BB and Brady to create a gameplan to see what Floyd can do in this offense with a lot of different formations and targets. It's the perfect opportunity to throw a new guy out there with no downside to the cost to the team or record. It also gives them a base to work off of going in to the bye before the first round. It doesnt mean he will be an all encompassing answer, but you don't get any opportunities to use a game like a preseason training situation very often, but the Pats have given themselves that opportunity.
2. There has been a lot of talk on the draft board about the type of receiver that will be of interest in this draft. One player that is interesting given this context is Evan Engram, the move TE from Ole Miss. On paper, they are incredibly similar physically, and points to an idea many on the draft board have had, that the team will need to focus some assets toward a big body receiver for over the middle.
3. Too much is being made about Floyds catch rate. He is an inside slant guy being used outside on deep go's. You have to consider the team and other options they have on that team. Fitz is now a slot guy, brown is as well, David Johnson is handling the bubble and flat and they have slow footed TEs that can't stretch the field. It's not Floyds fault that the team wasn't constructed to take advantage of his skillset. Here, he is more battling Amendola, where he should be able to take advantage of his size and quickness advantage. Think Marques Colston instead of Randy Moss.
4. I will have higher hopes than most, but I don't think this is a short term relationship. The team will need some significant addition of talent in the receiving game going forward, and you just don't find players like this on the street. With Gronks health up in the air, Edelman and Dola a step slower, having someone like this fall in to your lap without having to spend any resources could be a huge deal. To think that BB and Caserio remade their receiving core in one season (hogan, Mitchell, Bennett, Floyd) and all it cost was a 4th and 5th is truly amazing.
5. Even if he never takes off a receiver, his blocking is legit. wouldn't surprise me at all if he was picked up for that alone, given how much BB holds that skill above many other at the position. We may not be able to go to 12 formation with Gronk hurt, but having a big body that can really stonewall a safety definitely lessens the blow.
6. I probably care more about chemistry than anyone, but the chances a guy on waivers is what tears everything down is pretty silly. We had branch and Blount have negative off field situations, and Van Noy to a lesser extent, and all came in, were embraced, and flourished. There are obviously times that isn't the case, but a tight locker room doesn't often get broken by a single player, as much as a player is accepted and put in a situation to redeem himself. Just have to hope for the best, and count on the incredible leadership team we have.
