Coming into training camps, there was one major question about the defending AFC champion New England Patriots: What in the world is going on with their receiving core? It’s definitely undergone its share of change. First, they decided not to resign Danny Amendola and now, he’s a member of the Miami Dolphins and they traded away Brandin Cooks to the Los Angeles Rams after one season in Foxborough. Let’s also mention Julian Edelman is suspended for the first four after taking PED’s. When you look at the roster of receivers, it consists of Kenny Britt, Cordarrelle Patterson (who’s more of a return man), Philip Dorsett and Chris Hogan, who’s probably the best of who was just mentioned excluding Edelman. Today, the Patriots made a move to help bring in some veteran help at the position and signed Eric Decker to a one-year deal.
I think this is the perfect move and fit for the Patriots offense and he will definitely bring some depth to the position which is exactly what they need at this moment. At 6’3, he has the skill set to play inside in the slot and the outside as a possession guy. He’s a shifty guy that’s always looking to make a play and he moves well in space with the football in his hands. He’s always been a reliable target over the middle of the field and is your typical receiver to make that catch in a third down situation when the team needs a play to move the chains down the field. The best stretch of his career came in Denver from 2012-2014 when a guy named Peyton was the quarterback.
When Edelman returns from his suspension, the Patriots will have a loaded receiving core with Hogan, Edelman, Gronk of course and Eric Decker. He’s a veteran that knows a thing or two about playing in some big games and he’s gained experience over the years. If he can stay healthy, this will be a steal for Belichick and the Patriots.
