First-year successful receivers

[Schmo]

I think Cooks transition is going to be seamless, barring injury we are going to see a monster season from him. And he's going open things up for every skill player on the field with him. The only downside to this trade is the difficulty they are going to have extending him, which I have serious doubts they will be able to get done. Even then however it's going to be worth over the next two seasons.

The way I'm trying to look at it, is would we rather have Cooks on a rookie deal for 2 years, or another Dominique Easley on a rookie deal for 2 years.

 

[supafly]

The way I'm trying to look at it, is would we rather have Cooks on a rookie deal for 2 years, or another Dominique Easley on a rookie deal for 2 years.

Why do you assume a failing situation similar to that of Easley? Just curious. Prior to Easley they had gotten a fair amount of production from first rounders, with the option for a fifth year.

 

[Schmo]

Why do you assume a failing situation similar to that of Easley? Just curious. Prior to Easley they had gotten a fair amount of production from first rounders, with the option for a fifth year.

Simply to make me feel better, that's why.

 

[AzorianPats]

Nope. Amendola struggled with injuries from the start, but despite that put up 4.5 receptions per game and a career-high YPC in his first season in New England.

Amendola was money in the playoffs his second season. That alone makes his second season better than his first

 

[Batman]

It was reported that Austin Collie was at the team facility as early as 5am and didn't leave until dark, every single day for over a month, in an attempt to not only practice with the team, but also to get side/film work with Brady and McDaniels.

He put in an insane amount of time trying to learn the playbook, and still only ended up with a total of 6 catches on 11 targets. I wouldn't consider him a first year WR success, although he did prove to work hard and help the team in a very limited role, which is better than many others.



Austin Collie Stats | Pro-Football-Reference.com

His playoff numbers with us were 5 catches on 7 targets so clearly got better. with more knowledge. Not to mention he was cut by us twice and brought back. Joining part way through the season is a challange. Him and Gaffney bot had better numbers in the playoffs than their regular seson.

 

[Bill Lee]

Yes, I know Welker had a great season in 2007, but he was playing in an overwhelming offense and a lot of the reaction was "Wow! This guy can really play -- who knew?" but he wasn't the go-to receiver for the must-have-it play that he became later.

I remember seeing WW make some impressive plays against us the season before when he played for MIA, and apparently the Pats brain trust noticed too. Personally I don't think I "knew", but I wasn't at all surprised WW thrived once he got away from the tire fire that was MIA and joined NE.

 

[Nunchucks]

Hatin on Brandon Lloyd? The guy was in the right place and caught the ball. Jesus, that is pretty friggin impressive considering how many people cannot even do that in the Patriots offense.

 

[TheFlyingWedge]

Kind of like with Joseph Addai.

Must be a Colts thing.

Former first round bust WR of the Colts Anthony Gonzales also came over here at some point. He didn't make it out of training camp.

 

[Mike the Brit]

I remember seeing WW make some impressive plays against us the season before when he played for MIA, and apparently the Pats brain trust noticed too. Personally I don't think I "knew", but I wasn't at all surprised WW thrived once he got away from the tire fire that was MIA and joined NE.

Oh yes! He was playing hard and making plays when all of those around him were just standing around and waiting. But, if you look at the 2007 games, he wasn't as much of a key player, as I recall, as he later became. I think I "knew" about WW.

I had my doubts about Randy Moss, though (until after the first couple of games!)