Summer Sleeper: New England Patriots

With training camps opening all around the NFL, we continue our annual series focusing on a few sleepers from all 32 teams in the NFL.

These sleepers all have varying levels of “sleeperness,” but all merit a little more talking about here in the Premium Content section. Some of these players are deep dynasty sleepers who could merit a spot on your bench in a deep league, while others are players who may contribute a little faster than the deep prospects, but deserve more attention than they may be getting. By definition, a sleeper could mean something a little different to everyone, but we’re simply doing the best job we can to unearth one player from each team who fits the category in some way, shape or form.

We’ll never insult you with a comprehensive list of “sleepers” that includes such names as Lamar Miller, Chris Ivory or Danny Amendola. You’re all too good for that.

While many of these players will undoubtedly fizzle, there’s more value in looking more closely at these deeper prospects and players. We invite you to keep an open mind and either or re-assess your value on those who may be rostered in your league or consider adding a few of these deeper prospects we focus on this Summer who are free agents in your league – after all, some are destined to pan out, too.

Feel free to add your own comments about our choice for the designated sleeper, or nominate one of your own!

In no quiet fashion, the New England Patriots’ receiving options have gone from a threatening unit to one seemingly a bit depleted over the course of this off-season.   I probably don’t have to go into detail about the events leading to the release of Aaron Hernandez, the decision to let Wes Welker walk in free agency or Rob Gronkowski’s health concerns that leave his early season status hanging by a string.  The result, however, is the certain loss of two top targets from the offense, and the looming uncertainty of another.

To put this into perspective, quarterback Tom Brady had a total of 637 attempted passes last year.  Of these pass attempts, 425 of them were aimed at receivers who will no longer be wearing a Patriots uniform in 2013.  It wouldn’t be fair, however, to assume all targets were up for grabs.  Let’s assume Danny Amendola takes ALL of Welker’s 166 targets and Shane Vareen maintains the number of his targets from last season and assumes all of Danny Woodhead’s – this still leaves a grand total of 334 unspoken for targets, which is more than half of Brady’s total attempted passes in the entirety of the 2012 season.

What does this all mean in dynasty leagues?  Well, certainly some Gronk owners are panicking, (although hopefully Hernandez owners have moved to stage five in the grieving process to acceptance), but for astute dynasty owners, this screams opportunity.   This is why for the New England Patriots sleepers I will focus on the opportunities available at the wide receiver position.

Julian Edelman, WR NE

I admit, Julian Edelman is well known for a sleeper, but he was chosen because he has been largely dismissed and forgotten.

In 2009, Edelman was a seventh round pick (#232 overall) out of Kent State by New England.  He has always been a long shot, but has managed to hang around because of his versatility, a well-known “Belichick-ian” trait.  In past years, New England has had a plethora of pass catching options for future hall-of-fame quarterback Tom Brady, yet Edelman was able to contribute as a return man, chipping in on special teams and, hell, he even was used as a DB on defense.

Now someone has to step up and be a consistent target for Brady and Edelman has something unique to offer – he is the only wide receiver currently on the Patriots roster who has caught a regular season pass from Tom Brady.  (Okay, fine, Matt Slater caught one in 2011.)  In week two of last season, Edelman was actually the starting wide receiver two over Welker.  It was a bit of a surprise (and probably due to Welker’s contract dispute and subsequent offseason holdout), but it still showed Belichick had confidence in his ability to fill a huge role in the offense.  Unfortunately for Edelman, the experiment was cut short in week three when he sustained a hand injury.  He later sustained foot and head injuries preventing his full recovery and allowing Welker to recapture his dominant role in the passing game.

Some analysts still question Edelman’s ability to make the final 53-man roster, but with his veteran-ship and experience with Brady, I envision him being an asset as long as he is able to make a full recovery.  The bad news is Edelman entered camp on the PUP list, though he can be activated at anytime.  It was reported he should be ready to go for this season, but if he has a chance to secure a role in this offense, he needs to prove his health and get on the field as soon as possible.

Kenbrell Thompkins, WR NE

New England is flush with new wide receivers this year.  Opening camp, the Patriots are hosting ten receivers, and that is after cutting Donald Jones.   There are still some plodding veterans on the squad, but the more intriguing prospects are the rookies brought in to compete.  Drafted rookies Aaron Dobson (second round) and Josh Boyce (fourth round) have gained some hype competing for the second wide receiver role opposite of Amendola, but UDFA Kenbrell Thompkins has been underrated and overlooked.

Thompkins is a 6 foot 1 inch, 190 pound undrafted free agent out of Cincinatti.  He is a quick, fluid receiver who has also showed an aptitude for route running.  Just as important, Kenbrell is a willing blocker and exhibits a great work ethic and dedication to becoming a better player.

All three rookies have garnered high praise recently, which makes for a great camp battle to follow.  While it is said Dobson will be given every chance to start, it would be a mistake to assume he is handed the role.  While Boyce is also certainly a skilled prospect, he has been limited in early preseason activities after suffering a broken toe at the Rookie Combine.  If this injury continues to linger, it could certainly open the door for Kenbrell to make a larger impact.

Dobson is currently practicing with the starters, but you can bet Boyce and Thompkins will be nipping at his heels.  Kenbrell’s great showing in OTAs even garnered him some reps with the first team.  While he is certainly a deep sleeper, if Thompkins continues to make quick strides forward, he should be able to hold a roster spot and give his fellow rookies a solid run for some snaps.  With the recent news of his performances in practice, it’s time to jump on board.

Which rookie wide receiver do you think has the best chance to emerge for the Patriots?

Follow Chris on twitter @ChrisR124.