2012 NFL Offseason: An in-Depth Look at the New England Patriots' Wide Receivers

It's April, so speculation on 53-man NFL rosters at this point is exactly that—speculation.  

Nonetheless, it's impossible to resist the urge to dissect positional battles all around the NFL, and despite the fact that we're still two weeks away from the NFL Draft, the Patriots wide receiving core is already shaping up to be a fascinating storyline come training camp.

For those who don't know, the Patriots have 10 receivers, including Wes Welker, currently in the mix for a roster spot in 2012, and you can make the case for nearly all of them to not only be on the team but play a prominent role this fall.  

Trusted colleague Erik Frenz wrote about the group earlier today, but I'm here to further dissect it with an assist from Bleacher Reprort's own Matt Miller, who recently chronicled his top 150 wide receivers in the NFL.  

Here's how it'll go: I'll include some of Miller's insights (his rank, strengths and weaknesses for each player), while adding my two cents on how each currently stacks up.  Remember, a lot can change between now and early September, and it's entirely possibly that the Patriots will bring even more talent into the fold during or following the draft.

Wes Welker

Rank: 3

Strengths: Route running, speed, yards after catch, vision

Weakness: Blocking

My $.02: Simply put, the preeminent slot receiver in football.  He does virtually everything you want and does it well.  He's reliable, smart, tough, incredibly shifty, and catches most everything in his radius.  There's not much to criticize about his game, and the Patriots would do well to lock this guy in on a multi-year extension (I'd use Randy Moss's three-year, $27 million deal signed after 2007 as a model for his contract).  

Brandon Lloyd

Rank: 27

Strengths: Hands, route running

Weaknesses: Yards after catch

My $.02: Lloyd was signed by New England not just to reunite with Josh McDaniels (who he has thrived under in two previous stops) but to be the deep threat that the Patriots sorely lacked in 2011.  Although not a burner, Lloyd has rare hands and excellent ability to leverage defenders at the point of catch. That results in him winning a lot of 50-50 throws, something Tom Brady won't hesitate to send his way in a pinch next season. 

Donte' Stallworth

Rank: 57

Strengths: Hands, route running

Weaknesses: Catch in traffic, blocking, vision

My $.02: The Patriots brought Stallworth back to New England for a reason: the dude can run and stretch a defense vertically.  He's a good run-after-catch player who can potentially return punts too, and he should have a good grip on the system after spending 2007 with the team.  Question is can he be more constant than he was during his previous one year pit-stop? 

Deion Branch 

Rank: 58

Strengths: Route running, hands

Weaknesses: Catch in traffic, vision

My $.02: One of the smartest, most consistent players on the Patriots' roster, Branch is an absolute joy to watch in New England.  He sets defenders up extremely well, runs precise, clean routes and has the trust of Tom Brady.  Although he offers no special teams value, Branch certainly has a place on this roster for as long as the current offensive system remains in place.  

Julian Edelman

Rank: 95

Strengths: Agility, hands, vision

Weaknesses: Route running, speeds, run after catch

My $.02: A jack of all trades, literally, Edelman is still developing in what will be his fourth season as a wide receiver.  He's shifty, tough, has reliable hands and brings unique value on both special teams and defense.  His total package makes him a lock to be on the roster next year, and one can reasonably expect him to continue to platoon between both sides of the football when needed.

Chad Ochocinco

Rank: 108

Strengths: Agility, hands, speed

Weaknesses: Yards after catch

My $.02: Although an obvious disappointment in 2011, I'm still of the belief that Ochocinco has enough left physically in the tank to provide value to a Patriots offense that could use him.  He still has what it takes to separate on the perimeter, but unless he steadily improves in his understanding of the offense this offseason, there's no spot on the roster for him, given his contract, lack of special teams ability and age. 

Tiquan Underwood

Rank: 145

Strengths: Speed, agility

Weaknesses: Hands

My $.02: Underwood is perhaps best known for being the guy cut the night before Super Bowl XLVI and for sporting a sweet flat-top hairdo, but he also has sufficient ability to be an X receiver in the Patriots' offense.  He has good linear speed and flashed some promise during his college career at Rutgers.  Problem for him is he's sort of like Chad Ochoncinco-lite (minus the contract).

Anthony Gonzalez

Rank: N/A

My $.02: Gonzalez was a classic New England free-agent signing: low-risk, high-reward, and a guy who has shown savvy and smarts in the past.  His biggest downfall has been his inability to stay healthy, and that will dictate his future in the NFL. In New England he'll have to battle with Welker and Edelman for snaps in the slot, but no team is more creative than the Patriots in terms of finding ways to get guys involved.  Still a long shot to make the roster in my eyes, but I foresee this guy playing for some NFL team this season. 

Matt Slater

Rank: N/A

My $.02: You might as well list Slater as STA, as in special teams ace, because that's where he makes his money.  He's a dominant coverage player who can return kicks and serve as an up-man.  He's tough, fast and fearless running down the field.  He had limited reps as a receiver and is mostly just a linear threat.  This guy won't ever be a featured offensive threat, but he has a spot on the roster because of his value in the kicking game.

Britt Davis

Rank: N/A

My $.02: He's intriguing because of his size alone (6'3", 205 pounds), but Davis has yet to flash much as an NFL receiver.  He's played in three career games but never caught a pass and figures to have a difficult time making the roster based on the numbers.  Could be kept on the practice squad for another year, however.