Brandon LaFell projection?

mgteich said:

What is awesome is that we have 6 wide receivers who might have significant impacts in 2014. We have Gronk and Vereen. Bolden wasn't terrible as Vereen's backup, and could have receptions if Vereen is down.

The biggest question in the passing offense is Gronkowski's health and who will be Gronk's backup.

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Agreed we have a ton of depth at WR and its pretty interesting that Cooks said on NFLN that he visited the pats. Doug Kyed has reported the pats have been very interested in Cooks, Benjamin, Lee, Evans, and Beckham so it would be interesting to see if they take a receiver high in the draft. IMO TE is a bigger need.

I think at least one of the rookies from last year will step up to at least an above average starter. Dobson and Thompkins both flashed last season and will have an offseason to improve. I actually went back tonight and watched a lot of Thompkins film and honestly forgot how good he was early in the year.

I am not ready to call Gronk injury prone yet, just bad luck. Crossing my fingers he makes it through this next season without any issues; probably his most important year coming up with the contract decision and future health etc.

Still the receiving options right now (assuming health aren't looking too shabby):
1. Gronk
2. Edelman
3. Dobson
4. Vereen
5. Amendola
6. LaFell
7. Thompkins
8. Boyce

CISGS said:

I still wish we would kick the tires on Sidney Rice. Probably too late at this point with the amount of WRs we have.

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Yeah, the Pats need another player made out of glass on the IR.

Bhelmet said:

Gronk will not be back right away - who the hell knows when he will be back.

Vereen has already dropped - LITERALLY - his way out of Brady's good graces. He has SERIOUS work to do there

Edelman EARNED his safety blanket status - but NOT his health card - he is ALWAYS a question mark each season health-wise

If healthy, Lafell could be a much bigger signing than it appears right now.

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Damn, Mr. Gloomy Gus...

No, I get where you're going though. Hopefully the addition of better depth can cover our butts in case thing pan out negatively with injuries again.

I'd really like to see the addition of a TE as an improvement to that JAG that is Hooman (decent blocker, worthless in the passing game) as our TE2. It'd also allow us to have a backup for the Gronk situation as well.

Between Edelman/Amendola--we should have that covered for injury concerns. I feel much better having both myself.

patsfan-1982 said:

I don't see any reason why Gronk would not be back for the first game of the season, and Vereen was 3rd over all on the team in rec in only 8 games and 2th in the playoffs we all know Brady loves throwing to the 3rd down back so Vereen will get his,

as for Lafell I hope your right and he has a great season but his been the panthers #2 WR for the last three seasons and has not toped 600 yards and Cam Newton is a pretty good QB who has averaged over 3800 yards a season for his career

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not quite sure who it was, but someone on the radio was talking about how from watching the film, the Panthers mis-used Lafell. because they wanted to get Smith outside to utilize his speed, they played him more in a slot receiver role...whereas he would mostly excel as an outside receiver

I could see him still getting around his career average 600yards. but thats fine with the targets brady has, other than Gronkowski i'm not sure anyone will get 1000yards

what he brings though is another tall wide receiver so you can play Lafell/Dobson outside the hashmarks letting Edelman/Amendola stick to the slot where they excel

LaFell will do fine. I think his numbers all depend on match ups and more importantly injuries ( hopefully none major for once). He can be used in many different schemes. He would be an asset down in Red Zone which we all know would be a nitemare if Gronk is out. Having Gronk, Dobson & LaFell down there and throw in alil Edelman (all pun intended) in there too just makes running game even that much better as well. Key of course is Gronk being healthy but again if Gronk can't go for awhile, LaFell plays a huge part in Offense and with him & Dobson in RZ Brady has options with size.

RIpats88 said:

not quite sure who it was, but someone on the radio was talking about how from watching the film, the Panthers mis-used Lafell. because they wanted to get Smith outside to utilize his speed, they played him more in a slot receiver role...whereas he would mostly excel as an outside receiver

I could see him still getting around his career average 600yards. but thats fine with the targets brady has, other than Gronkowski i'm not sure anyone will get 1000yards

what he brings though is another tall wide receiver so you can play Lafell/Dobson outside the hashmarks letting Edelman/Amendola stick to the slot where they excel

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I agree I don't really think he will be a 1000 yard WR but he dose not need to be his just one more guy on the outside. the pats now have three vet WR's and can now run more of the no huddle which IMO is the best part of Brady's game and could not really be used last year because of the rookies

These are my receiving projections –

- Edelman – 102 receptions, 1075 yards, 6 touchdowns
- Gronkowski – 83 receptions, 1264 yards, 13 touchdowns
- Vereen – 58 receptions, 536 yards, 3 touchdowns
- Dobson – 56 receptions, 697 yards, 5 touchdowns
- Amendola – 51 receptions, 485 yards, 2 touchdowns
- LaFell – 49 receptions, 661 yards, 4 touchdowns
- Boyce – 23 receptions, 346 yards, 1 touchdown

Give or take a few from each.

Brady6 said:

These are my receiving projections –

- Edelman – 102 receptions, 1075 yards, 6 touchdowns
- Gronkowski – 83 receptions, 1264 yards, 13 touchdowns
- Vereen – 58 receptions, 536 yards, 3 touchdowns
- Dobson – 56 receptions, 697 yards, 5 touchdowns
- Amendola – 51 receptions, 485 yards, 2 touchdowns
- LaFell – 49 receptions, 661 yards, 4 touchdowns
- Boyce – 23 receptions, 346 yards, 1 touchdown

Give or take a few from each.

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5064 yards seems like a bit much, I'm alright with the 34 TDs. 422 would also be the most completions in his career tied for 10th all time.

Not saying these aren't possible, maybe just a little bit much.

I feel like the offense will be more balanced than what your numbers indicate.

strngplyr said:

5064 yards seems like a bit much, I'm alright with the 34 TDs. 422 would also be the most completions in his career tied for 10th all time.

Not saying these aren't possible, maybe just a little bit much.

I feel like the offense will be more balanced than what your numbers indicate.

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Yeah I agree, but shave 4-5 receptions and 50-60 yards off each of them and it becomes more realistic.

Im convinced hes gonna be that big bodied outside receiver we have been looking for so long. Reminds me of brandon marshall

james87654 said:

Im convinced hes gonna be that big bodied outside receiver we have been looking for so long. Reminds me of brandon marshall

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..and how is he Marshall related?

at the wrists and ankles...seems they were out partying and...well...more on Channel 4 at 11

strngplyr said:

..and how is he Marshall related?

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im just kidding, on a serious note, i just hope hes good enough to be a legit outside receiver cause we need a couple. hopefully dobson progresses

cstjohn17 said:

43 Catches, 550 Yards, 4 TDs

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Nailed it. Let's not go crazy with these projections. This isn't Randy Moss that we are bringing in.

Originally Posted by cstjohn17 View Post
43 Catches, 550 Yards, 4 TDs

That's basically what Aaron Dobson posted last season. That would be slightly Disappointing if LaFell did only that... Considering he has improved every season so far.

Nitro said:

I expect nothing from him. 150-200 yards? Not impressed at all with this one. Would rather just draft another WR.. at least I'd have some hope of something more then a J.A.G.

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I don't understand your logic here at all. You sound foolish.

I'm not going to get over-excited due to the simple fact a lot of receivers have come here and struggled to pick up a complicated system. I've learned not to get too optimistic with the WR position.

What I do see however is a guy who has excellent ball skills, tracks the ball well whilst it is in the air and has made some very good catches in tight windows. The fact his career average is 14.9 YPC is PHENOMENAL.

Bare in mind this is in a spread option style offence with two very prolific RBs and the general game plans are almost always run heavy. Oh, and Steve Smith to compete for grabs with...who is generally going to be the number one read.

I won't be unhappy however if his production isn't particularly high due to the spreading about of the football...which is likely providing all our pieces are there.

He has tremendous potential in our offence and we sorely lack a guy of his physicality.

DaBruinz said:

In all honesty, I could see Gronk and Amendola NOT being injured as much because of the Pats using Dobson, Boyce, and Lafell more.

There is a good potential for Brady to put up another 600 pass attempts. And that is with Gronk, Dobson, Edelman, Lafell, and Vereen getting the bulk of the work. I would VERY happy if the Pats could go back to the "Brady's favorite receiver is the open one" format. And those 5 give the Pats such a variety of looks. Then you add in Amendola, Boyce, and another TE and it's just havoc for opposing defenses.

And yes, I know I didn't mention Thompkins but that is because there is the potential for him to not make the roster unless the Pats carry 6 WR not including Slater, who is a speacial teamer only.

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Have to agree with you. Tompkins faded badly and it snowballed. He became unreliable and took up residence in the dog house.

LaFell is "Jabar Gaffney 2014". Both 6'2" and over 200lbs. A 36-38 catch guy because we spread the ball more, and maybe 4 TDs. Not bad but a #3 or #4 guy. We are so much homers that we make him out to be more than it is.

Still think Boyce is a wild card. Quickness and strength. 4.38 40 and superb 3 cone.

Despite what some poster said, we do need a #1 WR. Unless one of the top three fall to #29 Draft day (and the Draft is very much a crap shoot. It's a three year plan. As example, I expect Dobson to be better in 2015), with our double dip in 2013, we might see a WR later only like Norwood or a Jeff Janis who can play ST as well.

So unless we pick up a Sidney Rice or trade for a #1 WR like a Andre Johnson (doubt it), or have a eureka moment at the Pats F.O. and try for Justin Blackmon as a gamble (low risk, high reward), our lot is set at WR.

We still can't get TB that elite WR and why?, I do not know. I think the Eagles set up a smoke screen on Jackson. He might have been nice. Gang stuff is nasty here.

I rate our NFL professional WR roster as a "C". With an "A" lister QB, that is not good. The only WR I grade higher is Edelman at a "B" but the curve with all of our other "C" types and "D" types drags it down. It might not be fair because Slater is a great ST kid, but if he is in the WR pool, he "might" be worth a "D" rating as WR. Dobson might have an arrow up but for injuries a "C".

Edelman "B" (very good and plays ST)
LaFell "C"
Amendola "C"
Thompkins "C-"
Boyce "D+"
Dobson "C"
Slater "D-" as a WR

I know it is taboo to call out the Pats F.O. on this forum (see IAN), but I think those grades are fair. If that is the case, for all you homers that say BB has a plan......feed me please?

Perhaps the best QB of all time. Can you imagine what his numbers would be if he had Moss, Welker and added a few others around through the years like a Marshall or a Vincent Jackson as example, who could have been had (please I am not advocating either. Just talking productivity)?

Gronk has been great when healthy to be with TB. But we are discussing WR here.

Can you still see something wrong with this? It's not like there is no one out there they could get to better the position.

Thoughts?
DW Toys

DW Toys said:

We still can't get TB that elite WR and why?

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Probably because elite wideouts are overrated. Give me five guys with a diverse array of physical characteristics and skillsets any day of the week.

It's also beyond pointless to attach arbitrary ratings to sophomore wideouts after their rookie campaigns. If anything, Thompkins, Boyce, and Dobson are INC.

DW Toys said:

Have to agree with you. Tompkins faded badly and it snowballed. He became unreliable and took up residence in the dog house.

LaFell is "Jabar Gaffney 2014". Both 6'2" and over 200lbs. A 36-38 catch guy because we spread the ball more, and maybe 4 TDs. Not bad but a #3 or #4 guy. We are so much homers that we make him out to be more than it is.

Still think Boyce is a wild card. Quickness and strength. 4.38 40 and superb 3 cone.

Despite what some poster said, we do need a #1 WR. Unless one of the top three fall to #29 Draft day (and the Draft is very much a crap shoot. It's a three year plan. As example, I expect Dobson to be better in 2015), with our double dip in 2013, we might see a WR later only like Norwood or a Jeff Janis who can play ST as well.

So unless we pick up a Sidney Rice or trade for a #1 WR like a Andre Johnson (doubt it), or have a eureka moment at the Pats F.O. and try for Justin Blackmon as a gamble (low risk, high reward), our lot is set at WR.

We still can't get TB that elite WR and why?, I do not know. I think the Eagles set up a smoke screen on Jackson. He might have been nice. Gang stuff is nasty here.

I rate our NFL professional WR roster as a "C". With an "A" lister QB, that is not good. The only WR I grade higher is Edelman at a "B" but the curve with all of our other "C" types and "D" types drags it down. It might not be fair because Slater is a great ST kid, but if he is in the WR pool, he "might" be worth a "D" rating as WR. Dobson might have an arrow up but for injuries a "C".

Edelman "B" (very good and plays ST)
LaFell "C"
Amendola "C"
Thompkins "C-"
Boyce "D+"
Dobson "C"
Slater "D-" as a WR

I know it is taboo to call out the Pats F.O. on this forum (see IAN), but I think those grades are fair. If that is the case, for all you homers that say BB has a plan......feed me please?

Perhaps the best QB of all time. Can you imagine what his numbers would be if he had Moss, Welker and added a few others around through the years like a Marshall or a Vincent Jackson as example, who could have been had (please I am not advocating either. Just talking productivity)?

Gronk has been great when healthy to be with TB. But we are discussing WR here.

Can you still see something wrong with this? It's not like there is no one out there they could get to better the position.

Thoughts?
DW Toys

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Edelman A-, not an elite big body but there are only a handful in the whole league
Dobson B, very solid rookie season, good size and I think he will really step up this year.
Amendola B, flashed his tallent and ability in the Pats system, needs to stay on the field.
LaFell C, average to slightly above average player, has yet to show he can produce in Pats system, good size to compliment Dobson.
Thomkins C, did great for coming in undrafted, had some memorable moments but struggled down the stretch
Boyce D, great speed, lots of potential. Didn't see much playing time as a rookie.

ausbacker said:

600-700 yards and 5-6 touchdowns seems reasonable.

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Agreed. Lafell is going to be our #3 option at best so, I wouldn't expect some wild production numbers. But he should be a solid addition to the group. Now if he goes out there and drops 1,000 yards on NFL defenses, I will be very pleasantly surprised.