Oct 5, 2014; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver
Julian Edelman(11) runs out of the tunnel to fireworks during team introductions prior to a game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Gillette Stadium. New England Patriots defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 43-17. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Wide Receivers: Julian Edelman and Brandon LaFell
Tight End: Rob Gronkowski and Scott Chandler
The wide receiver position will be very similar to last year with Edelman and LaFell, as they played very well last year. Danny Amendola will hope to play a bigger role this year as well, but he will have to earn that playing time with solid performances in practice, preseason and in the playing time he gets on the field. Aaron Dobson is a player the Pats hope will break out after battling injury issues and simply playing very poorly. If Dobson could establish himself as a valid option, the Patriots will have a very deep receiving corps.
Tight End is possibly the deepest position the Patriots have. Gronkowski is the best tight end in the league and as long as he stays healthy he will continue to be that for many years to come. While I picked Chandler as the second starting tight end, I think there will be a lot of rotation at this position. The Patriots have very good options for their second tight end, as Scott Chandler, Michael Hoomanawanui, Tim Wright and possibly even Fred Davis could all be viable options.
Hoomanawanui is the best blocker of the bunch, Tim Wright is probably the best receiver and Chandler is the most balanced. Fred Davis has had his good years, but he has also been plagued by injury and has made poor decision off the field. He will really have to prove to the Patriots that he can still produce on the field in order for him to make the final roster. If he can reach his level of talent that he showed in his 2011 season, he could be a very good option for the Patriots. Since Chandler is very balanced I think he will likely see the most field time, but Wright will probably also be a factor, especially in the red zone.
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