New England Patriots 2010 Position Battles: Wide Receiver

The Patriots' offense is the poster child of the pass-happy style adopted by many other teams in the league. As such, there's a high premium on the receivers.

The position battles at receiver will be a top story in New England during OTAs and training camp.

With 12 receivers currently on the roster, there will be at least five who end up disappointed by the beginning of the 2010 season.

Randy Moss is locked in as the team's No. 1 starter. The best deep threat in the AFC East is in a contract year, so expect big things from the big-time receiver.

It's no secret that Wes Welker is the No. 2 guy in the offense (or No. 1, even, depending on how you look at it). But we all know about the knee injury that will keep him out of action for at least the first few weeks of the season, if not a lot longer.

Someone (or a combination thereof) will have to step up mightily to fill the void left by Wes Welker until his return, whenever that may be.

Those third and fourth receiver positions will probably be filled by committee, but here are my predictions for who will earn the most playing time in 2010.

Julian Edelman

Edelman, a college quarterback, came in and learned the wide receiver position in training camp last year.

Everyone in New England is pleasantly surprised with how quickly he caught on, filling in admirably for Welker when he was injured both early and late in the season. Edelman even reeled in the only two Patriot touchdowns in New England's harsh defeat to Baltimore.

As Brady and Edelman get more reps together, the two will improve their rapport and could become a fearsome combination with time.

Brandon Tate

Two knee injuries have crippled Tate's playing time over the past two seasons—one ending his senior season, and the other taking him off the field in his rookie season just two weeks after getting back on the field.

Despite that, he has a surprisingly positive outlook on the whole situation.

He's been around the team, and has finally had a chance to work with Tom Brady, who says he likes Tate "a lot." Tate could easily be the third or fourh receiver in New England's oft-employed five-wide sets if he can catch on to the complex offense quickly, and if he comes back smoothly from those knee injuries.

Taylor Price

Price has all the tools to succeed in the NFL. He put his skill on display at the Senior Bowl, and impressed scouts across the league.

In this video, not only does he show the ability to consistently get open, he also shows team-based effort in the running game, with effective blocking against big linebackers and even a defensive end.

As is highlighted in that video, a lot of those throws were miscues. With Brady at the helm, though, those throws are a thing of the past for the fleet-footed Price.

Torry Holt

The Patriots certainly didn't bring Torry Holt in to be the highlight-reel No. 1 receiver he was for the Greatest Show on Turf—that's what they have Moss and Welker for.

The Patriots do, however, get player who can contribute on occasion, but who can more importantly act as a great coach for the young talent on the team.

Holt has been regarded as one of the smartest receivers in the league, which works well for New England's complex offense.

He isn't the "sexiest" receiver on the squad in terms of speed, size, and all those measurables, but he has great hands, and the intangibles to continue to succeed in the NFL: experience, leadership, and a desire to win.

Missing the cut

Matt Slater: His experience and abilities on special teams will warrant consideration for the practice team, but in the end, he could be cut.

Sam Aiken: A long-time special teams contributor, Aiken flashed brilliance at WR last year but sealed his fate by only reeling in 48-percent of throws in his direction.

David Patten: As much as I'd like to see a top receiver in New England's dynasty days back in uniform, at 36 years old, he will probably retire a Patriot if and when he doesn't make the squad.

Bryan Anderson: Perhaps the hidden gem of the rookie FA market, Anderson has a nasty 6-5, 215-pound frame. He set the NCAA record with 54 consecutive games with a reception. He could sneak onto the roster, or could easily be called up if an injury opens a spot for him.

Buddy Farnham: He had an impressive career at Brown, but he's more suited for the practice squad at this point. He didn't face top-end corners in college, and needs a bit more practice in New England's complex system.

Darnell Jenkins: The 28-year-old Jenkins was a practice squad squatter last year, and will more than likely fill the same spot this coming season.

Missing the cut

Matt Slater: His experience and abilities on special teams will warrant consideration for the team, but in the end, he could land back on the practice squad after failing to record a reception in 2009.

David Patten: As much as I'd like to see a top receiver in New England's dynasty days back in uniform, at 36 years old, he will probably retire a Patriot if and when he doesn't make the squad.

Bryan Anderson: Perhaps the hidden gem of the rookie FA market, Anderson has a nasty 6-5, 215-pound frame. He set the NCAA record with 54 consecutive games with a reception. He could sneak onto the roster, or could easily be called up if an injury opens a spot for him.

Buddy Farnham: He had an impressive career at Brown, but he's more suited for the practice squad at this point. He didn't face top-end corners in college, and needs a bit more practice in New England's complex system.

Darnell Jenkins: The 28-year-old Jenkins was a practice squad squatter last year, and will more than likely fill the same spot this coming season.