New England Patriots: 3 Reasons Brandon Lloyd Will Become No. 1 Option

Brandon Lloyd provides Tom Brady and the New England Patriots with the deep threat that has been missing since Randy Moss left in 2010.

Aside from shoring up the pass-rush and solidifying the secondary, acquiring a deep threat at the wide receiver position was the top priority for the Patriots this offseason.

Signing Lloyd not only addressed the need for a deep threat, it also brought in a complete receiver with knowledge of the Patriots' system due to his connection with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.

While Lloyd is joining and already loaded offense, here are three reasons why he will be the No. 1 option for Brady in 2012.

Lloyd Will Be Reunited with the Man Who Restored His Career

Similar to the connection with Wes Welker that was there from day one, Tom Brady will gel with Brandon Lloyd because he knows the system and knows what Brady expects.

Lloyd is reuniting with Josh McDaniels, his former head coach in Denver.

Lloyd had his best season under McDaniels. In 2010, he had 77 receptions for a league-leading 1,448 yards and 11 touchdowns.

He always had the talent, but was never utilized the way he was under McDaniels.

In 2010 and when they reunited again last season in St. Louis, McDaniels exploited all of Lloyd’s skills playing him outside, in the slot, going deep, even coming across the middle.

Lloyd did everything.

Because he can do so much, Lloyd will be an instant favorite of Brady.

Lloyd Has the Tools to Be a No. 1 WR

Lloyd is the most gifted receiver on the Patriots' roster.

He may not be the fastest, tallest, or even toughest receiver on the Patriots, but he has the most ability overall.

While he isn’t known as a burner by the fact that he doesn’t possess 4.3 speed, Lloyd still has the downfield speed necessary to pull safeties off the line and create separation for the short passing game.

Lloyd also has great hands and body control, giving him the ability to make circus-like catches.

This isn’t going to give you flashbacks of Randy Moss in 2007, but Lloyd will be the most complete receiver Brady has thrown to in years.

Lloyd Will Reduce the Load on Last Year’s Top 3 Targets

Last year was the official coming out party for Rob Gronkowski, and Aaron Hernandez continued to develop, all while Wes Welker led the league in receptions.

Brandon Lloyd will step in and provide another dimension to an already potent passing attack.

The Patriots will be concerned about wearing out their star tight ends and limiting the hits that Welker takes, so Lloyd will step in and become the No. 1 option for Brady.

Not only will Lloyd take the pressure off Gronk, Welker and Hernandez, he gives Brady a legitimate deep threat.

Brady has shown the desire to throw the ball deep since 2007 and ever since the downfall of the Randy Moss era in 2010, Brady hasn’t had a true deep threat to throw to.

Patriots fans won’t have to wince at the sight of Matthew Slater running deep anymore.

Lloyd will make the Patriots better in the regular season, but more importantly, he increases their chance at winning their fourth Super Bowl title.