Fan Fanatic Sports Staff
The AFC East is going to be a beast this season.
And the Patriots might just be the third-place team in the division.
Well, let's hope not.
But it's hard to swallow that the Jets and Dolphins keep improving this offseason, while the Pats have retained some key players from last season (Vince Wilfork was the No. 1 priority), but they haven't made the big free agency splash yet. And they most likely won't.
It appears that Bill Belichick and Co. plan to build this team in the draft with a first-round selection and three second-rounders.
But both the Jets and Dolphins have added youth and experience with two outstanding pickups recently.
And it came at a position where the Pats could use some help -- wide receiver.
The Jets trade for Steelers receiver Santonio Holmes, while Miami turned some heads by trading for Denver star receiver Brandon Marshall.
I know they both come with off-the-field issues, but they are talented and should help out both teams immensely.
Just think about it: Wouldn't either one of those wideouts look good in a Patriots uniform?
While I wish either was suiting up and catching passes for the Pats, I still have faith that New England will get a high grade from NFL Draft gurus Mel Kiper Jr. and Todd McShay after their selections.
If they don't deliver the goods, then they could be in real trouble in the division.
Doesn't it hurt to know that those two rival clubs have improved so much? But hey, at least we resigned Vince Wilfork, right?
I don't see Holmes being a big upgrade for the Jets. Besides having one really good game in the Super Bowl, he hasn't really been a prolific receiver. He's an improvement for the Jets, but that's only because they have almost no wide receiver depth. And I know I'm going to be blasted for having a bias for mentioning it, but what about Golden Tate for the Patriots if Bryant isn't on the board? Tate's got great hands, moves well after the catch both in terms of speed and elusiveness by virtue of being a former running back and while he won't be able to burn corners at will like he did in college, still has enough speed and acceleration to be a deep threat when needed.
ReplyDeleteI really think the Jets have an underrated reciever corp now. Cotchery is solid, Edwards, despite his shaky hands, can be a #1 reciever with a full year in the system, and Holmes is your home run hitter. They have, by far, the best set of recievers in the division.
ReplyDeleteHave to disagree, Maza, Holmes could be a No. 1 on some teams but there's not many better No. 2's in all of football. Plus, he's a steal for a fifth-round pick.
ReplyDeletePut it this way, what's a better deal: Holmes for a 5th-round or Golden Tate (who I would draft in second round, but not in the first, BTW) drafted in first or second round?
Tate would be a nice addition, they no doubt need another WR.
Jets are scary on the outside now; do the Pats and Dolphins have enough corners to keep up with them?