Some comments on the comments:
1. Lombardi's statement that Patterson's primary job is going to be on ST's is probably closer to reality than most of the speculation that will follow this move.
2. That being said, I think he can be an interesting situational WR as well. Assuming he IS a dumb as a box of rocks and a terrible route runner, the Pats can still find uses for him. He still has an elite combination of size and speed so his presence needs to be accounted for.
He also has decent hands. IIRC, I saw someone use this stat somewhere, that only DA had a better catch ratio last season something like 75%. One of the stat guys can check that out, but it indicates he can catch the ball.
So if all that is true the smart thing to do with him is NOT make him run complex option routes or learn multiple WR positions. So instead of trying to make him do what he has proven he can't do over the last 6 years, simplify the offense for him. Teach him to run crisp 9's, posts, comebacks, back shoulders and fades, and forget about making him be something he isn't. Isn't putting people in a position to succeed what this team does best.
Let this kid feel free to use his vast physical skills and limit the amount of mental work that usually accompanies this very complex offense. Remember at best he'll only be a situational WR with this team. JMHO
3. The only negative I see in this trade is his $3.5MM cap hit. That is high for a guy who isn't doing a lot more than returning KO's. If he is ultimately replacing Slater, then I'd like to know what kind of a gunner he is. Anyone know?
4. Just another thought to think about. Given the fact we only dropped about 5-1o spots at the end of the draft to trade for him, if he doesn't show he can to more than KO returns, I'm sure Bill won't lose a second's sleep cutting him before the season starts.
I think in the end, barring injuries, he'll be battling Britt and Dorsett for the last WR position on the team. Remember you can't hit homers if you don't take swings, even though you know you don't hit homers everytime out, and sometimes you will swing and miss.
