Which Rookie will have the biggest impact?

[MrNathanDrake]

I'll guess it's Josh Boyce. We need help at WR more than any other position. Boyce seems like a classic Brady-Era WR. Undersized but skilled. He could also bring some big play ability that we lacked the past couple of years.

He's more NFL-ready than Dobson. A little bit older, played better competition in College, and has a stronger build than Dobson.


Jamie Collins will probably be productive, but only as a rotational player. He will have to split reps at LB/DE with Ninkovich, and Donta Hightower.

I think Armond Armstead will also have a good year, but due to circumstances of being thin at WR, Boyce will be forced into the spotlight this year and will produce. Boyce could be a starter by the 2nd half of the season.

 

[MrNathanDrake]

Did a bit of research... BB seems to love Dobson's intelligence/maturity.

The Patriots worked out and interviewed quite a few of the top wide receiver prospects. What made Aaron Dobson stand out from the rest beyond what they saw on film?

According to Bill Belichick, the Marshall University standout displayed a football intelligence that put him in a class above many of the other candidates. During the interview process, Dobson was especially impressive breaking down plays.

‘’You talk to him about what he did (on a certain play) and he can explain the techniques, the assignments, what other guys were doing at Marshall,’’ Belichick said. ‘We’d look at things we did, and come back and talk about it. He remembered how we did them, what we called them, things like that.’’

The Pats run a pretty complex offense. Not every receiver has been able to grasp the dynamics, and get on the same page with Tom Brady. Dobson’s smarts should help in that process.

‘’He’s a pretty intelligent guy . . . he had a good understanding and grasp of learning, taking new information and processing that and being able to understand that and apply it,’’ Belichick said.‘’I think he’s a pretty impressive kid. He’s a mature kid. He’s pretty smart.’’

Hopefully he can get on the field and provide a big target, deep threat.

 

[resdubwhite]

I think Dobson is going to get the most opportunities of all of the rookies. And I think he will deliver.

 

[EwanSellars]

i picked armstead because i think once he shows he can get to the quarterback from the DT and DE spot he will be out there a ton. I think Collins will be a rotational player on 3rd downs this year with hightower shifting inside. i didnt pick dobson or boyce because i think there will be a lot of different targets to get the ball too which will mean less individual stats for each player but i think Dobson will have a great rookie season. Logan ryan will be solid as a backup so i dont see him doing too much this year and buchanan i think will log some solid numbers in the last 3-4 games of the season but i imagine they will want to see what bequette can do earlier in the year first

 

[YearbookCurfew]

I've never heard of this "Other" guy, but I hope he is productive for us.

 

[Tunescribe]

I've never heard of this "Other" guy, but I hope he is productive for us.

UDFA Travis Other: 6-foot-10, 380-lb. defensive end from Acme State. Runs a 4.29 40, benched 66 reps at the combine. Racked up 33 quarterback sacks and 93 tackles for losses his senior year. All-conference both athletically and academically. Scored a perfect Wonderlic. Turned down a Rhodes Scholarship offer. Speaks three languages and is a workout warrior. His parents are independently wealthy, so Other has stated he doesn't care what the Patriots pay him, he just wants to play with a winner.

 

[NEPettyOfficer72]

I'm going with WR Aaron Dobson. The size, speed, strength, route running, hands and intel tell me so. Plus he is a Marshall Alumni, following the same footsteps as for NE WR Greats Troy Brown and Randy Moss but creating his own path. Like the guy said in an article, I see some Larry Fitzgerald-like qualities in this kid who could already be a man amongst boys already at the age of 22. I also like the fact that he came from a complex offensive system which should help him faster pick this one up, especially being that he is smart and Brian Daboll who worked with the Patten, Givens, Brown and Branch group is back to coach him along with Josh McDaniels, Bill Belicheck, Veteran Michael Jenkins and GOAT Tom Brady. Brilliant staff around him and with Rob Gronkowski missing OTAs, gives him a better shot and developing much needed chemistry with Tom.

 

[PATRIOTSFANINPA]

I went with 'other' as in Michael Buchanan.....this kid will be the surprise of the draft.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

I say Mackle-Moe.

 

[bishbash]

I read recently (Reiss?) that Armstead is not technically a Rookie, since he played in the CFL, and won't be eligible for any Rookie awards if he does well.

 

[randomk1]

I don't feel comfortable picking a WR and i don't see Collins getting a significant amount of snaps.

I'll go with Armstead. I think he could be in a potentially good position to produce if he is as good as advertised.

 

[BradyFTW!]

Dobson has by far the easiest path to a starting job and a significant role on the team. Even Armstead has to go through Kelly.

 

[PatsDeb]

I treated this poll to say, "which rookie do you HOPE has the biggest impact on the team?" since I know jack-you-know-what, but I voted for Dobson.

 

[Reckedtrek]

I went with Armstead. Given his experience, he really isn't a rookie in the same way as the others, but since he's listed on this poll I went with him.

I'm hoping we have 3 or more who contribute in big ways and this discussion leads into February!

 

[Huckleberry1]

Dobson. There is a gaping hole at the WR position and Dobson will have the opportunity to fill it. I believe he will be the OROY when all is said and done.