Super Bowl Predictions 2012: Aaron Hernandez Will Lead Patriots in Receptions

File this under "bold Super Bowl XLVI predictions."

Yesterday, I briefly outlined why I think New England Patriots tight end Aaron Hernandez will be vital on Super Bowl Sunday. 

Today, I go a bit deeper. 

He'll end the game with the most receptions for the Pats. 

Yes, I believe Rob Gronkowski will play, but his high-ankle sprain will significantly hinder his ability to dominate linebackers and safeties down the seam. 

This puts much more responsibility in the hands of Hernandez, the more shifty, hard-to-bring-down guy in New England's legendary tight end tandem. 

Wide receiver Wes Welker is the prime candidate to lead the team in receptions, actually. 

He led the team in catches in eight of their 18 games this season and racked up a ridiculous total of 122 during the regular season. 

Hernandez had the most grabs in four contests and reeled in 79 passes from Tom Brady in 2011. 

It comes down to this: While Welker is the best in the business at getting open on short, jerk routes and shallow crosses, the potential for the big play is simply greater when Hernandez gets the football in space. 

Welker has broken a few long runs after the catch during his career, but Hernandez is as agile as a running back, nearly as fast as wide receiver and has the body of a fullback. He changes directions with ease and almost always makes linebackers look silly in the open field. 

With Gronkowski easily limited with physical, press man coverage and the Patriots looking to get the ball out of Brady's hands quickly to negate the New York Giants' pass rush, Hernandez should be in for a huge evening. 

Welker will get his fair share of receptions, too, but Hernandez could quickly become the focal point of the offense and may even get a few carries as well. 

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