Going three tight every play…
That has to be what the New England Patriots are going to do if they do in fact trade Deion Branch in the next week and a half. Have you looked at their receiving corps as of late without Branch? Reche Caldwell, Troy Brown (well past his prime, yet I still like him), Chad Jackson, Kelvin Kight, and Bam Childress. That ain’t pretty folks. That makes Atlanta’s, Dallas’, San Diego’s, and Green Bay’s receiving crews look D E E P. Look for a lot of passes to Ben Watson, Daniel Graham, and David Thomas (big fan of this guy; tremendous hands).
Also, since it’s Friday and I don’t want to do any more work, I’ll give you a list of receivers that I absolutely think will have solid years that you can pick up in the middle rounds.
1. Donald Driver - Green Bay’s clear-cut #1 (and the only guy Brett recognizes out there
2. Derrick Mason - McNair’s boy in Nashville will become McNair’s boy in Baltimore
3. Javon Walker - he looks healthy, Rod Smith can’t defy Father Time much longer, and he’ll have a couple of deep balls thrown to him per game on bootlegs by Plummer. Jake absolutely LOVES to throw deep on the boot.
4. Andre Johnson - he’s finally healthy, and he’s a monster physically. With talent opposite him, and a coach who is convinced he’ll be able to run the ball Shannahan-style, watch for Johnson to explode like he should have last year.
4. The Clayton boys (Baltimore and Tampa Bay) - In Baltimore, there will be a lot of passes to catch if Jamal Lewis continues to stink it up, and Michael (Tampa) will benefit from being in much better condition, a year under Simms’ belt at the healm, and Joey Galloway drawing a second DB.
5. Antonio Bryant - two excellent receiving tight-ends for Alex Smith will open up go routes for Bryant on the outside, and he’s still uber-talented if he can keep his mind right.
6. Whoever ends up lining up opposite Roy Williams in Detroit (that’s assuming you won’t get Roy Williams, but if you can, take Williams) - this offense will open up, and Kitna should do exceptionally well in Martz’s circus-style, quick pass offense. Somebody will put up Kevin Curtis style numbers as the number 2/3. Watch.
Who to avoid:
1. Any receiver in a Titans uniform.
2. The Parkers - Samie and Eric. They’ve done nothing and will continue to do nothing.
Watch on the Waiver Wire:
1. Braylon Edwards - he’ll be 100% real soon, and with a consistent quality receiver in Jurevicius opposite him (along with a 100% healthy Kellen Winslow running up the seams) Edwards could benefit greatly if Charlie Frye can develop.
