Former Marshall wide receiver Aaron Dobson arrives in New England with a chance at eradicating a longstanding vacancy. The Patriots haven’t enjoyed the services of a wideout that can stretch the field on the outside since a certain Randy Moss in 2009. Pitting Dobson and Moss in the same sentence is a vastly unfair comparison. But the former member of the Thundering Herd possesses the physical traits and ball skills to excel in such a role.
Dobson’s 2012 Statistics: 57 Rec, 679 Yds, 11.9 Avg, 3 TDs
Career Totals (4 years): 165 Rec, 2,398 Yds, 14.5 Avg, 24 TDs
The Patriots lost perennial 100-plus-catch slot wideout Wes Welker and speedy deep threat Brandon Lloyd over the offseason. The versatile Danny Woodhead also departed in free agency. They replaced Welker with Danny Amendola but did not address the void left by Lloyd’s 911 receiving yards and four touchdowns. Seasoned veteran or not—Michael Jenkins simply isn’t a game-changing wideout.
That’s where Dobson comes in. Tom Brady needs a vertical threat as a complement to Amendola in the slot and tight ends Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez working underneath. Despite lacking elite top-end speed, Dobson is a crafty route-runner who utilizes excellent body control and leaping ability to snare the football at its highest point. He’ll prove a valuable target in the red zone and even deep over the middle with his sure hands and competitive nature.
Dobson possesses a high football IQ and displays a consistently sound work ethic. He has the makeup of a receiver who can learn and synthesize a highly complex Patriots offense.
We believe he can come in and produce in multiple wide-receiver sets. He should even find a starting role on the outside as the season progresses. Brady will help mold Dobson into a legitimate fantasy WR.
Amendola, Gronkowski and Hernandez will serve as the top-three weapons in a pass-first attack. Dobson, though, will be a sought-after target with Gronk likely missing time and Hernandez being injury prone. For now, draft him late as your third fantasy wideout and let him develop into a quality No. 2. We’ll temper his stats for the time being.
Projected Statistics: 40 receptions, 600 yards, six touchdowns
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