Why Jordan Shipley Could Solve the New England Patriots' Offensive Drama

After sitting through possibly the most boring two hours of my life today, the College Football All Star Challenge finally offered me something entertaining and, better yet, interesting to think about.

Jordan Shipley, among other candidates who decided to show up to the All Star Challenge today, raised some talking points between ESPN commentators.  After proposing a possible draft signing to the New England Patriots, it got me thinking...would the former Texas star be a good fit in New England?

After prolonging my decision for a while and thinking it over, I came to the conclusion that the signing would not only be record breaking in terms of money and media attention, but it would set the Patriots up for a potentially great future that seems so uncertain at this point in time.

With the Patriots' players and staff now in holiday mode until the hustle and bustle of offseason football begins, NFL analysts are debating the issue of the Patriots dynasty that seems for the most part to be well on its way into a downward spiral.

One thing is for certain though:  The talent is still there in New England.  To quote Allen Iverson, "the franchise player" Tom Brady is present, Randy Moss is more than likely going to sign with the Patriots for another handful of seasons, and young star Wes Welker is providing Patriot fans with a well deserved reason to stand up and applaud the wide receiver play.

Therefore, you may ask why New England would need a blockbuster wide receiver like Jordan Shipley.  Surely their wide receiver talent is already at its maximum ability.  Right?

Well, I guess you could look at it that way, or you could take the more optimistic approach that I have taken and study Jordan's mechanics, which would fit in so well with the New England Patriot style of football.

In 2010, the New England Patriots' lucky number is going to be 22.  With the 22nd pick in the NFL Draft, let's not go to overboard in suggesting whom the Patriots may go after.  With under performing teams such as Detroit, St. Louis, Kansas City, and Washington all picking the top ranked guys, there may be more than one case where a receiver such as Jordan Shipley slips through the net and finds himself on a team that he could be better off with.

Although the prospect of a Jordan Shipley signing sounds good, he may not receive many opportunities within his first few years.  Nonetheless, he's the type of humble guy who is willing to let his career be molded first before stepping in as a replacement for an absentee.

After much disappointment in 2010, Jordan Shipley had his fair share of good plays, notably helping the Longhorns gain a spot in the BCS National Championship Game.  With his outstanding play in the Big 12 Championship Game against Nebraska, Shipley shifted into fifth gear late in the season.

Now, though, he has some time out, and there are a few issues about his future circling in his head.  Often criticised for his lack of speed, it may be tough for Shipley to earn himself a decent spot in the draft.  Not to worry, though.  A team is more than likely to sign the 6 foot, 195 pound offensive machine in a matter of seconds rather than days.

Shipley works best in the slot, turning short and intermediate catches into big gains after the catch.  Tom Brady would be more than happy to have a reliable guy with surefire hands like Jordan Shipley in his arsenal. 

Randy Moss and Wes Welker are still there, but the way I see it, Jordan is a Miles Austin type story waiting to happen.  For those of you out there who aren't married to this idea, that's fine, but just consider it.  It is a move that could benefit the Patriots immensely and ultimately turn their franchise back into the offensive powerhouse it once was.

Jordan's mechanics are good, his attitude is good, and his work ethic is great.  New England style potential or not, he is a prospect that Bill Belichick should give a good hard look at.