2012 NFL Free Agents: Pierre Garcon a Strong Fit for the Patriots

The Indianapolis Colts selected wideout Pierre Garçon with their sixth-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft. 

Since 2008, the New England Patriots have made three draft selections at the very same position.

In 2009, Brandon Tate was taken in the third round while Julian Edelman was selected in the seventh. Taylor Price joined the fold as a third-rounder the following season. 

Free agent and trade "additions" were made over this time span too. But the likes of Greg Lewis, Joey Galloway and Chad Ochocinco have largely failed to have much of a positive impact.

Sure, Deion Branch was acquired in 2010, but that was a reacquisition of a well-known commodity—one the team had scouted and drafted in 2002.  

Of that entire list, only two of these players remain on the payroll. Edelman nearly spent more time on defense this year (9.3 percent of the team's 2011 snaps) than he did on offense (13.3 percent of the team's 2011 snaps). Ochocinco didn't impress much more, nearly appearing in more games than he had catches. 

Needless to say, there have been some missteps with regards to the wide receiver position. Missteps within the very recent past.

It's those mistakes that make Garçon's production over the last four years in Indy all the more impressive. Despite his bonehead-ness at times and tendency to drop the ball, he has produced.

Over the last three seasons, Garçon started for the Colts and averaged 61 receptions for 832 yards (13.6 yards per catch average) and nearly six touchdowns a season. His best season came last year without the so-called leader of the offense—Peyton Manning. 

Garçon caught passes all season from scrubs and amassed 70 receptions for 947 yards (13.5 yards a catch) and six touchdown passes. 

He reportedly turned down a five-year deal from the team and looks ever-ready to test the free agent waters. Reggie Wayne, a fellow free agent and Colts wide receiver, already expressed his vocal interest in New England as a free agent stop. 

It's logical thinking to suggest Garçon could have the same thought. He may also offer more bang for his buck considering he's only 25, compared to Brandon Lloyd who is 31 in July and Wayne who is 34 in November.

Interested in reading more by this featured columnist? Check out more of Aaron Dodge's work on Bleacher Report.

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