Aaron Dobson (1 Viewer)

[ffgiant]

whats he worth in dynasty? 3rd rounder ?

I offered the Dobson owner a 2nd and was turned down

Same for me. Owner told me he thinks "he's going to be a good one."

I do too, but I think a 2nd is plenty for him. Still a bunch of questions about him. He's playing in a pretty crowded WR corps and coming off foot surgery. I don't think I'd give up too much for him.

I agree. This year rookies class are deep, I won't part a 2nd round for him. I am more comfortable taking my chance to find a high ceiling player in my rookie draft.

 

[johnadams]

It seems like there are a lot of conflicting reports on Dobson's future. I'd prefer Dobson's situation over anyone available in the second round. When it comes to WR, unless it's an early first guy, I'd much rather have a guy entering his second year that a rookie.

whats he worth in dynasty? 3rd rounder ?

I offered the Dobson owner a 2nd and was turned down

Same for me. Owner told me he thinks "he's going to be a good one."

I do too, but I think a 2nd is plenty for him. Still a bunch of questions about him. He's playing in a pretty crowded WR corps and coming off foot surgery. I don't think I'd give up too much for him.

whats he worth in dynasty? 3rd rounder ?

I offered the Dobson owner a 2nd and was turned down

Same for me. Owner told me he thinks "he's going to be a good one."

I do too, but I think a 2nd is plenty for him. Still a bunch of questions about him. He's playing in a pretty crowded WR corps and coming off foot surgery. I don't think I'd give up too much for him.

I agree. This year rookies class are deep, I won't part a 2nd round for him. I am more comfortable taking my chance to find a high ceiling player in my rookie draft.

I disagree. I don't see anyone in the second round that is going to make an impact this year and I'd rather a 2nd year WR over a rookie most of the time. Coupled with his overall situation in a pass friendly offense with a great QB and uncertainty at WR, there's a good chance that Dobson emerges as WR2 this year. Not a great chance, but certainly better than most of the rookie WRs and that extra year of information is invaluable to me. By virue of being on NE, if he can become a main target for Brady, he is a high ceiling guy. Maybe not as talented as the rookie first rounders, but in an ideal situation. Plus, I have a lot more confidence that we'll have a good picture of Dobson's medium term value after this year than anyone I could nab in the second.

 

[cstu]

I disagree. I don't see anyone in the second round that is going to make an impact this year and I'd rather a 2nd year WR over a rookie most of the time. Coupled with his overall situation in a pass friendly offense with a great QB and uncertainty at WR, there's a good chance that Dobson emerges as WR2 this year. Not a great chance, but certainly better than most of the rookie WRs and that extra year of information is invaluable to me.

By virue of being on NE, if he can become a main target for Brady, he is a high ceiling guy. Maybe not as talented as the rookie first rounders, but in an ideal situation. Plus, I have a lot more confidence that we'll have a good picture of Dobson's medium term value after this year than anyone I could nab in the second.

That he was bad?

 

[johnadams]

I disagree. I don't see anyone in the second round that is going to make an impact this year and I'd rather a 2nd year WR over a rookie most of the time. Coupled with his overall situation in a pass friendly offense with a great QB and uncertainty at WR, there's a good chance that Dobson emerges as WR2 this year. Not a great chance, but certainly better than most of the rookie WRs and that extra year of information is invaluable to me.

By virue of being on NE, if he can become a main target for Brady, he is a high ceiling guy. Maybe not as talented as the rookie first rounders, but in an ideal situation. Plus, I have a lot more confidence that we'll have a good picture of Dobson's medium term value after this year than anyone I could nab in the second.

That he was bad?

Not sure I understand. Most rookie WRs struggle in the NFL. I expect the current crop, especially those likely to be available in the second round, to do the same. The second year is where I expect to really get a handle on what a WR is going to be. It's not foolproof by any stretch, but the extra year makes a pretty big difference to me. Many of the best WRs put up weak to middling numbers in their rookie years. And if Dobson doesn't pan out for my team, I can scuttle a lot quicker than I could with a rookie.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

I disagree. I don't see anyone in the second round that is going to make an impact this year and I'd rather a 2nd year WR over a rookie most of the time. Coupled with his overall situation in a pass friendly offense with a great QB and uncertainty at WR, there's a good chance that Dobson emerges as WR2 this year. Not a great chance, but certainly better than most of the rookie WRs and that extra year of information is invaluable to me.

By virue of being on NE, if he can become a main target for Brady, he is a high ceiling guy. Maybe not as talented as the rookie first rounders, but in an ideal situation. Plus, I have a lot more confidence that we'll have a good picture of Dobson's medium term value after this year than anyone I could nab in the second.

That he was bad?

which rookie receiver put up 49 / 927 / 3 in 1985?

 

[PatsWillWin]

He wasn't bad, overall. He was inconsistent, dealt with an injury or two, and had some bad games. Overall it was a decent rookie year. I'm looking forward to seeing what he does this year. Problem is he could easily be a nice piece for the Patriots, but still not put up good fantasy numbers.

 

[ROYALWITCHEESE]

I disagree. I don't see anyone in the second round that is going to make an impact this year and I'd rather a 2nd year WR over a rookie most of the time. Coupled with his overall situation in a pass friendly offense with a great QB and uncertainty at WR, there's a good chance that Dobson emerges as WR2 this year. Not a great chance, but certainly better than most of the rookie WRs and that extra year of information is invaluable to me.

By virue of being on NE, if he can become a main target for Brady, he is a high ceiling guy. Maybe not as talented as the rookie first rounders, but in an ideal situation. Plus, I have a lot more confidence that we'll have a good picture of Dobson's medium term value after this year than anyone I could nab in the second.

That he was bad?

which rookie receiver put up 49 / 927 / 3 in 1985?

Al Bundy?

 

[cstu]

I disagree. I don't see anyone in the second round that is going to make an impact this year and I'd rather a 2nd year WR over a rookie most of the time. Coupled with his overall situation in a pass friendly offense with a great QB and uncertainty at WR, there's a good chance that Dobson emerges as WR2 this year. Not a great chance, but certainly better than most of the rookie WRs and that extra year of information is invaluable to me.

By virue of being on NE, if he can become a main target for Brady, he is a high ceiling guy. Maybe not as talented as the rookie first rounders, but in an ideal situation. Plus, I have a lot more confidence that we'll have a good picture of Dobson's medium term value after this year than anyone I could nab in the second.

That he was bad?

Not sure I understand. Most rookie WRs struggle in the NFL. I expect the current crop, especially those likely to be available in the second round, to do the same. The second year is where I expect to really get a handle on what a WR is going to be. It's not foolproof by any stretch, but the extra year makes a pretty big difference to me. Many of the best WRs put up weak to middling numbers in their rookie years. And if Dobson doesn't pan out for my team, I can scuttle a lot quicker than I could with a rookie.

Good points, but for me it comes down to being thoroughly unimpressed by him last year. He certainly could get better but he's not a guy I'm willing to gamble on and would rather have a 2nd.

 

[JayJay328]

I disagree. I don't see anyone in the second round that is going to make an impact this year and I'd rather a 2nd year WR over a rookie most of the time. Coupled with his overall situation in a pass friendly offense with a great QB and uncertainty at WR, there's a good chance that Dobson emerges as WR2 this year. Not a great chance, but certainly better than most of the rookie WRs and that extra year of information is invaluable to me.

By virue of being on NE, if he can become a main target for Brady, he is a high ceiling guy. Maybe not as talented as the rookie first rounders, but in an ideal situation. Plus, I have a lot more confidence that we'll have a good picture of Dobson's medium term value after this year than anyone I could nab in the second.

That he was bad?

Not sure I understand. Most rookie WRs struggle in the NFL. I expect the current crop, especially those likely to be available in the second round, to do the same. The second year is where I expect to really get a handle on what a WR is going to be. It's not foolproof by any stretch, but the extra year makes a pretty big difference to me. Many of the best WRs put up weak to middling numbers in their rookie years. And if Dobson doesn't pan out for my team, I can scuttle a lot quicker than I could with a rookie.

Good points, but for me it comes down to being thoroughly unimpressed by him last year. He certainly could get better but he's not a guy I'm willing to gamble on and would rather have a 2nd.

Which is strange because you seem to like Patterson yet the per game receiving numbers point to Dobson being very comparable.

Patterson may add some value through his rushing stats but his DLF June ADP is WR12! Ridiculous when you're saying just dish off Dobson for a 2nd.

 

[Bri]

I expected him to be good to very good and he was more raw than I thought.

He got some production.

There were a few rooks last year that I got the impression they are easily the superior athlete(than many DBs) but have some serious concentration issues and inexperience concerns.

The Pats throwing 20 times to Edelman and 20 to Amendola didn't get them as much experience as the rooks could have received but when you drop gimmes, what's the QB supposed to do?

I didn't see the ball thrown to him much when a top DB covered him, but he had no trouble with nickel DBs.

 

[ebsteelers]

whats he worth in dynasty? 3rd rounder ?

I offered the Dobson owner a 2nd and was turned down

Same for me. Owner told me he thinks "he's going to be a good one."

I do too, but I think a 2nd is plenty for him. Still a bunch of questions about him. He's playing in a pretty crowded WR corps and coming off foot surgery. I don't think I'd give up too much for him.

I agree. This year rookies class are deep, I won't part a 2nd round for him. I am more comfortable taking my chance to find a high ceiling player in my rookie draft.

I think a 2nd getting turned down is a case of someone over valuing their own player...

I'd like to get him on my team but it could end up being more part of a package deal then straight up for dobson

 

[cstu]

I disagree. I don't see anyone in the second round that is going to make an impact this year and I'd rather a 2nd year WR over a rookie most of the time. Coupled with his overall situation in a pass friendly offense with a great QB and uncertainty at WR, there's a good chance that Dobson emerges as WR2 this year. Not a great chance, but certainly better than most of the rookie WRs and that extra year of information is invaluable to me.

By virue of being on NE, if he can become a main target for Brady, he is a high ceiling guy. Maybe not as talented as the rookie first rounders, but in an ideal situation. Plus, I have a lot more confidence that we'll have a good picture of Dobson's medium term value after this year than anyone I could nab in the second.

That he was bad?

Not sure I understand. Most rookie WRs struggle in the NFL. I expect the current crop, especially those likely to be available in the second round, to do the same. The second year is where I expect to really get a handle on what a WR is going to be. It's not foolproof by any stretch, but the extra year makes a pretty big difference to me. Many of the best WRs put up weak to middling numbers in their rookie years. And if Dobson doesn't pan out for my team, I can scuttle a lot quicker than I could with a rookie.

Good points, but for me it comes down to being thoroughly unimpressed by him last year. He certainly could get better but he's not a guy I'm willing to gamble on and would rather have a 2nd.

Which is strange because you seem to like Patterson yet the per game receiving numbers point to Dobson being very comparable.

Patterson may add some value through his rushing stats but his DLF June ADP is WR12! Ridiculous when you're saying just dish off Dobson for a 2nd.

A few things:

- Patterson was the best running WR in the league last year and had a ridiculous 13 missed tackles on 12 carries. If he can get 200-300 yards and a few TD's that greatly adds to his value.

- Patterson may never develop in a true deep receiver that you would expect for a guy his size but he should be able to catch a lot of short passes and put up 80/900/6. His ADP (which is a little high for me) is understandable since does have the tools to become a top 5 WR.

Bottomline with Dobson is that he has to make it as a pure receiver to have fantasy value and he didn't look like he'll become a good one to me.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

what rookie receiver put up a paltry 48/756/4 in 2007?

 

[jurb26]

I disagree. I don't see anyone in the second round that is going to make an impact this year and I'd rather a 2nd year WR over a rookie most of the time. Coupled with his overall situation in a pass friendly offense with a great QB and uncertainty at WR, there's a good chance that Dobson emerges as WR2 this year. Not a great chance, but certainly better than most of the rookie WRs and that extra year of information is invaluable to me.

By virue of being on NE, if he can become a main target for Brady, he is a high ceiling guy. Maybe not as talented as the rookie first rounders, but in an ideal situation. Plus, I have a lot more confidence that we'll have a good picture of Dobson's medium term value after this year than anyone I could nab in the second.

That he was bad?

Not sure I understand. Most rookie WRs struggle in the NFL. I expect the current crop, especially those likely to be available in the second round, to do the same. The second year is where I expect to really get a handle on what a WR is going to be. It's not foolproof by any stretch, but the extra year makes a pretty big difference to me. Many of the best WRs put up weak to middling numbers in their rookie years. And if Dobson doesn't pan out for my team, I can scuttle a lot quicker than I could with a rookie.

Good points, but for me it comes down to being thoroughly unimpressed by him last year. He certainly could get better but he's not a guy I'm willing to gamble on and would rather have a 2nd.

Which is strange because you seem to like Patterson yet the per game receiving numbers point to Dobson being very comparable. Patterson may add some value through his rushing stats but his DLF June ADP is WR12! Ridiculous when you're saying just dish off Dobson for a 2nd.

A few things:

- Patterson was the best running WR in the league last year and had a ridiculous 13 missed tackles on 12 carries. If he can get 200-300 yards and a few TD's that greatly adds to his value.

- Patterson may never develop in a true deep receiver that you would expect for a guy his size but he should be able to catch a lot of short passes and put up 80/900/6. His ADP (which is a little high for me) is understandable since does have the tools to become a top 5 WR.

Bottomline with Dobson is that he has to make it as a pure receiver to have fantasy value and he didn't look like he'll become a good one to me.

It should also be noted that Dobson produced his comparable numbers in NE with Brady throwing him the ball while Patterson had Minn and their garbage pal group of QBs. Dobson dropped almost 10% of his targets and Patterson dropped less than 4% of his.

 

[cstu]

what rookie receiver put up a paltry 48/756/4 in 2007?

Calvin only dropped 6.7% of his passes and had an old Kitna as his QB.

Also, anyone watching that year was thinking "Why the #### is Shaun McDonald in the game?"

 

[Xue]

I disagree. I don't see anyone in the second round that is going to make an impact this year and I'd rather a 2nd year WR over a rookie most of the time. Coupled with his overall situation in a pass friendly offense with a great QB and uncertainty at WR, there's a good chance that Dobson emerges as WR2 this year. Not a great chance, but certainly better than most of the rookie WRs and that extra year of information is invaluable to me.

By virue of being on NE, if he can become a main target for Brady, he is a high ceiling guy. Maybe not as talented as the rookie first rounders, but in an ideal situation. Plus, I have a lot more confidence that we'll have a good picture of Dobson's medium term value after this year than anyone I could nab in the second.

That he was bad?

Not sure I understand. Most rookie WRs struggle in the NFL. I expect the current crop, especially those likely to be available in the second round, to do the same. The second year is where I expect to really get a handle on what a WR is going to be. It's not foolproof by any stretch, but the extra year makes a pretty big difference to me. Many of the best WRs put up weak to middling numbers in their rookie years. And if Dobson doesn't pan out for my team, I can scuttle a lot quicker than I could with a rookie.

Good points, but for me it comes down to being thoroughly unimpressed by him last year. He certainly could get better but he's not a guy I'm willing to gamble on and would rather have a 2nd.

Which is strange because you seem to like Patterson yet the per game receiving numbers point to Dobson being very comparable. Patterson may add some value through his rushing stats but his DLF June ADP is WR12! Ridiculous when you're saying just dish off Dobson for a 2nd.

A few things:

- Patterson was the best running WR in the league last year and had a ridiculous 13 missed tackles on 12 carries. If he can get 200-300 yards and a few TD's that greatly adds to his value.

- Patterson may never develop in a true deep receiver that you would expect for a guy his size but he should be able to catch a lot of short passes and put up 80/900/6. His ADP (which is a little high for me) is understandable since does have the tools to become a top 5 WR.

Bottomline with Dobson is that he has to make it as a pure receiver to have fantasy value and he didn't look like he'll become a good one to me.

It should also be noted that Dobson produced his comparable numbers in NE with Brady throwing him the ball while Patterson had Minn and their garbage pal group of QBs. Dobson dropped almost 10% of his targets and Patterson dropped less than 4% of his.

And Dobson's aDOT was 13.6 while Patterson's was 8.5.

 

[saintfool]

what rookie receiver put up a paltry 48/756/4 in 2007?

Calvin only dropped 6.7% of his passes and had an old Kitna as his QB.

Also, anyone watching that year was thinking "Why the #### is Shaun McDonald in the game?"

um, i think you forgot that kitna = speed.

 

[Skeletore Eh]

Aaron Dobson - WR - Patriots
Aaron Dobson (foot surgery) remains on track for training camp despite sitting out all of OTAs and minicamp.
Dobson has not suffered a setback since undergoing surgery to repair a stress fracture on March 10. Instead, the Patriots decided to hold him out and let him gain more strength in the foot to guard against re-injury. Dobson remains one of our favorite breakout candidates as the heavy favorite to play every down as Tom Brady's "X" this season.


Source: Boston Herald
Jun 19 - 9:21 AM

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

****'s rookie season (1985) had a rocky start. He dropped a record fifteen passes, a feat not lost on the press or the fans. In retrospect, **** blamed his early failures on the complex offense that ***** ran. He simply had to learn the moves, he said, to the point where he could run a play without thinking about it.

who am I?

 

[cstu]

****'s rookie season (1985) had a rocky start. He dropped a record fifteen passes, a feat not lost on the press or the fans. In retrospect, **** blamed his early failures on the complex offense that ***** ran. He simply had to learn the moves, he said, to the point where he could run a play without thinking about it.

who am I?

Yes, Jerry Rice had a rough patch in the middle of the season but they kept feeding him the ball and he finished like this:

Rk 	G# 	Date 	        Age 	Tm 		Opp 	Result 	        Rec 	Yds 	Y/R 	TD 	Att 	Yds 	Y/A 	TD 	TD 	Pts 	Rt 	Yds ▾ 	Y/Rt 	TD13 	14 	1985-12-09 	23-057 	SFO 		RAM 	L 20-27 	10 	241 	24.10 	1 	2 	14 	7.00 	0 	1 	6 	0 	0 		014 	15 	1985-12-15 	23-063 	SFO 	@ 	NOR 	W 31-19 	4 	82 	20.50 	0 	0 	0 		0 	0 	0 	0 	0 		015 	16 	1985-12-22 	23-070 	SFO 		DAL 	W 31-16 	7 	111 	15.86 	0

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

meanwhile, dobson could only manage a broken foot -- point taken

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

The Boston Globe's Chad Finn said Patriots WR Aaron Dobson could emerge as a "downfield threat" if healthy.
The if healthy part is the only thing holding Dobson back. His recovery from March foot surgery progressed slower than anticipated, keeping him from building needed chemistry with Tom Brady during spring practices. Dobson should be ready for training camp, though, and is a great bet to play every down as New England's "X" receiver.

Source: Boston Globe

 

[Skeletore Eh]

Aaron Dobson - WR - Patriots
Aaron Dobson (foot surgery) confirms he's "optimistic" he'll be ready for training camp.
Dobson sat out the Patriots' entire offseason program, but is finally progressing. "It’s doing better, man," Dobson said Tuesday. "It’s getting better every day. Every week it’s getting better, so we’re just going to see where it’s at by the time camp starts." This being the Patriots, the only real updates we're going to get on Dobson is whether or not he's practicing, but his foot doesn't appear to be a long-term question mark.


Source: Boston Herald
Jul 9 - 9:53 AM

 

[Monsters of the Midway]

I'm an unabashed fan. I like the size/speed combo, the offense he plays in runs A TON of plays and has a need for his specific skillset, and that there were a couple of games early on last year where he received a ton of targets. I see a high skill & opportunity ratio for someone currently going as WR 56 (139 overall).

Interesting list of WRs being drafted around him-interesting combo of unproven talent and proven old guys

WR50 - Kenny Stills

WR51 - Josh Gordon (lol)

WR52 - Jordan Matthews

WR53 - Greg Jennings

WR54 - Jarrett Boykin

WR55 - James Jones

WR56 - Aaron Dobson

WR57 - Justin Hunter

WR58 - Brian Hartline

WR59 - Markus Wheaton

WR60 - Odell Beckham Jr.

WR61 - Steve Smith

I personally love Stills, Jennings, Dobson and Hunter from that list.

 

[Faust]

Report: Aaron Dobson had screw inserted into foot

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000370900/article/report-dobson-had-a-screw-inserted-into-foot-during-surgery

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

Dominique Easley and Aaron Dobson are practicing and participating in positional drills.

 

[pghrob]

Inactive today for week 1.

Dobson, after missing much of the preseason, is inactive for Week 1.

 

[PhantomJB]

LaFell and Thompkins failed to impress in Week One. I'm wondering if Dobson could slide into a consistent role at the X spot.

Do people see Dobson getting the majority of looks now that he's returning from injury or is this a WRBC situation? Flying under the radar in a lot of leagues.

 

[One More Rep]

I think Dobson will be the guy when healthy enough to go. He is the one guy who can stretch the field

 

[Anarchy99]

LaFell and Thompkins failed to impress in Week One. I'm wondering if Dobson could slide into a consistent role at the X spot.

Do people see Dobson getting the majority of looks now that he's returning from injury or is this a WRBC situation? Flying under the radar in a lot of leagues.

Out of shape, recovering from injury, out of practice, no trust or chemistry with Brady yet. All those should change over time, but expect baby steps. The whole offense revolves around Gronk. Once Gronk gets his sea legs and back to normal, then a lot more will work for everyone else. IMO, long term, Dobson has the highest upside of any WR on their roster. Brady has tunnel vision on Edelman and Gronk right now, and that hurts the offense overall. Dobson should see his role expanded if he can stay healthy and get in sync with Brady. But that is not guaranteed.

 

[Omniscient Deity]

LaFell and Thompkins failed to impress in Week One. I'm wondering if Dobson could slide into a consistent role at the X spot.

Do people see Dobson getting the majority of looks now that he's returning from injury or is this a WRBC situation? Flying under the radar in a lot of leagues.

Out of shape, recovering from injury, out of practice, no trust or chemistry with Brady yet. All those should change over time, but expect baby steps. The whole offense revolves around Gronk. Once Gronk gets his sea legs and back to normal, then a lot more will work for everyone else. IMO, long term, Dobson has the highest upside of any WR on their roster. Brady has tunnel vision on Edelman and Gronk right now, and that hurts the offense overall. Dobson should see his role expanded if he can stay healthy and get in sync with Brady. But that is not guaranteed.

.

Dobson's been the most intriguing Pats WR not named Edelman to me in redraft/dynasty leagues. He shows flashes of being able to get separation and use his size/speed to become a nice deep threat for Brady and has decent(but still inconsistent) hands. He's far from a sure thing, but I'd definitely gamble on him as a bench stash over Thompkins/LaFell who are mediocre players.

Hate to go off-topic here, but I also did notice Gronk looking a step slow out there when I watched a replay of the game this morning. I hope it's just him needing to get back into game shape and not any lingering effects from the injuries/surgeries

 

[Anarchy99]

LaFell and Thompkins failed to impress in Week One. I'm wondering if Dobson could slide into a consistent role at the X spot.

Do people see Dobson getting the majority of looks now that he's returning from injury or is this a WRBC situation? Flying under the radar in a lot of leagues.

Out of shape, recovering from injury, out of practice, no trust or chemistry with Brady yet. All those should change over time, but expect baby steps. The whole offense revolves around Gronk. Once Gronk gets his sea legs and back to normal, then a lot more will work for everyone else. IMO, long term, Dobson has the highest upside of any WR on their roster. Brady has tunnel vision on Edelman and Gronk right now, and that hurts the offense overall. Dobson should see his role expanded if he can stay healthy and get in sync with Brady. But that is not guaranteed.

.

Dobson's been the most intriguing Pats WR not named Edelman to me in redraft/dynasty leagues. He shows flashes of being able to get separation and use his size/speed to become a nice deep threat for Brady and has decent(but still inconsistent) hands. He's far from a sure thing, but I'd definitely gamble on him as a bench stash over Thompkins/LaFell who are mediocre players.

Hate to go off-topic here, but I also did notice Gronk looking a step slow out there when I watched a replay of the game this morning. I hope it's just him needing to get back into game shape and not any lingering effects from the injuries/surgeries

I have openly been concerned about the long-term impact of all of Gronk's injuries and surgeries. I posted several times that IMO he was setting himself up to have a shorter career because of them. I also suggested (and got flamed) last year that he might not ever be 100% again (compared to the old Gronk). I also got flamed last year by suggesting that he had a high probability of starting slow (or sitting several games) and would not be worth the draft pick it took to acquire him. I kept my mouth shut this year, as there was no point in trying to convince people again. Long story short, I am still leery of Gronk's health, and he did seem a step slower against Miami. I would guess that next year he will be closer to full speed, as the same thing happened to Welker when he rushed to come back early from a torn ACL. People like to use ADP as the poster boy for post ACL recoveries, but each player and each case is different. Maybe his ACL tear was not as bad or he recovered better . . . who knows. Bottom line, I don't think Gronk is close to being 100% yet.

If I were to post a wish list for NE, having Gronk healthy in January would top the list. IMO, they should try their best to facilitate that, even if that means him having a reduced role throughout the season or losing an extra game or two along the way to get to that point. They will never do that, of course, but part of the reason the Pats have not won a title in 10 years stems from having too many injuries to key players in post season play. I have never figured out why BB leaves the starters in for as long as he does. If they played and integrated back ups more frequently, they would have more options in crunch time and get guys more experience. Had they taken Brady out in blow outs and let Mallett play some, for example, maybe they could have gotten more than a bag of peanuts in a trade for him. I see no point in having top line starters out late in the second half in games that are 52-3. But I haven't won 3 Super Bowls, so who am I to judge.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

LaFell and Thompkins failed to impress in Week One. I'm wondering if Dobson could slide into a consistent role at the X spot.

Do people see Dobson getting the majority of looks now that he's returning from injury or is this a WRBC situation? Flying under the radar in a lot of leagues.

Out of shape, recovering from injury, out of practice, no trust or chemistry with Brady yet. All those should change over time, but expect baby steps. The whole offense revolves around Gronk. Once Gronk gets his sea legs and back to normal, then a lot more will work for everyone else. IMO, long term, Dobson has the highest upside of any WR on their roster. Brady has tunnel vision on Edelman and Gronk right now, and that hurts the offense overall. Dobson should see his role expanded if he can stay healthy and get in sync with Brady. But that is not guaranteed.

.

Dobson's been the most intriguing Pats WR not named Edelman to me in redraft/dynasty leagues. He shows flashes of being able to get separation and use his size/speed to become a nice deep threat for Brady and has decent(but still inconsistent) hands. He's far from a sure thing, but I'd definitely gamble on him as a bench stash over Thompkins/LaFell who are mediocre players.

Hate to go off-topic here, but I also did notice Gronk looking a step slow out there when I watched a replay of the game this morning. I hope it's just him needing to get back into game shape and not any lingering effects from the injuries/surgeries

I have openly been concerned about the long-term impact of all of Gronk's injuries and surgeries. I posted several times that IMO he was setting himself up to have a shorter career because of them. I also suggested (and got flamed) last year that he might not ever be 100% again (compared to the old Gronk). I also got flamed last year by suggesting that he had a high probability of starting slow (or sitting several games) and would not be worth the draft pick it took to acquire him. I kept my mouth shut this year, as there was no point in trying to convince people again. Long story short, I am still leery of Gronk's health, and he did seem a step slower against Miami. I would guess that next year he will be closer to full speed, as the same thing happened to Welker when he rushed to come back early from a torn ACL. People like to use ADP as the poster boy for post ACL recoveries, but each player and each case is different. Maybe his ACL tear was not as bad or he recovered better . . . who knows. Bottom line, I don't think Gronk is close to being 100% yet.

If I were to post a wish list for NE, having Gronk healthy in January would top the list. IMO, they should try their best to facilitate that, even if that means him having a reduced role throughout the season or losing an extra game or two along the way to get to that point. They will never do that, of course, but part of the reason the Pats have not won a title in 10 years stems from having too many injuries to key players in post season play. I have never figured out why BB leaves the starters in for as long as he does. If they played and integrated back ups more frequently, they would have more options in crunch time and get guys more experience. Had they taken Brady out in blow outs and let Mallett play some, for example, maybe they could have gotten more than a bag of peanuts in a trade for him. I see no point in having top line starters out late in the second half in games that are 52-3. But I haven't won 3 Super Bowls, so who am I to judge.

exactly

btw, could you tell us at what point in the game brady got knocked out in 2008?

 

[Anarchy99]

exactly

btw, could you tell us at what point in the game brady got knocked out in 2008?

What's your point? If your point is that injuries can happen to any player at any time, I don't disagree.

Brady got knocked out in the first half when Faulk missed a block in Week 1. Welker tore his ACL in a game that didn't matter in Week 17. He didn't need to be in the line up. Gronk broke his arm playing on special teams on an extra point that was the Pats 52nd or 59th point of the game. I get that it was a fluky injury, but he didn't need to be in the game either. I am pretty sure that they have more than just Gronk to play the blocking wing on an extra point.

Those are two examples of injuries that could have been avoided, and I stand by my statement that the Pats over the years could have better developed younger players or back ups by pulling starters in the 4th quarter in certain games.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

this is the most annoying kind of backwards looking whine.

like belichick says --- let him know which guys are going to get hurt and he won't play them.

gostkowski gets ruined because some lump misses a block and you'd be first in line questioning that decision.

I guess it's easier playing with a stacked deck when you have the benefit of knowing how every event plays out through hindsight.

wait -- how about all those playoff games we lost because players came in a little out of condition for OT, or a little out of synch, rusty, or complacent from sitting out a couple weeks, or missing time in games?

I guess you'll have to wait for them to actually happen so you can look them up to cry about those.

most of this kind of nonsense started in 2007 when we completely turned over our receivers and everybody whined about them playing in the 4th qtr --- how'd it look last year when we turned over the receivers?

did it look like they could use more work together, or were you perfectly fine with where they were at for the playoffs?

have you ever coached anything in your life?

you're complaining about the most successful guy in the history of his sport.

the nerd arrogance that you would somehow be better suited to develop players or coach an nfl team, or that nothing exists until you personally witness it is absolutely amazing.

you're seriously making a case that out of all the teams in the league it's the pats whose lesser luminaries aren't prepared, or don't contribute?

 

[Anarchy99]

this is the most annoying kind of backwards looking whine.

like belichick says --- let him know which guys are going to get hurt and he won't play them.

gostkowski gets ruined because some lump misses a block and you'd be first in line questioning that decision.

I guess it's easier playing with a stacked deck when you have the benefit of knowing how every event plays out through hindsight.

wait -- how about all those playoff games we lost because players came in a little out of condition for OT, or a little out of synch, rusty, or complacent from sitting out a couple weeks, or missing time in games?

I guess you'll have to wait for them to actually happen so you can look them up to cry about those.

most of this kind of nonsense started in 2007 when we completely turned over our receivers and everybody whined about them playing in the 4th qtr --- how'd it look last year when we turned over the receivers?

did it look like they could use more work together, or were you perfectly fine with where they were at for the playoffs?

have you ever coached anything in your life?

you're complaining about the most successful guy in the history of his sport.

the nerd arrogance that you would somehow be better suited to develop players or coach an nfl team, or that nothing exists until you personally witness it is absolutely amazing.

you're seriously making a case that out of all the teams in the league it's the pats whose lesser luminaries aren't prepared, or don't contribute?

Ummm . . . ok, I guess. No one is asking for a crystal ball to know how plays will turn out. No one was suggesting that the Pats shouldn't play their starters when it mattered. I don't think that it is really off base to suggest that they sit their starters, or more importantly their stars or guys recovering from injuries, in a blow out . . . especially when the team has had problems having guys fresh and healthy in the playoffs. I don't see how taking those guys out in games that are locked up and giving the back ups another 50-60 snaps across the course of the season would pose undo harm to the starters and their stamina and conditioning.

You won't see me complain about BB's drafting . . . or play calling . . . or roster management . . . or trading Mankins . . . or other things that many fans and the media find fault with. But that does not automatically equate that everything BB is automatically right 100% of the time. And it certainly doesn't mean that I can't have my own opinion, even if you have to interject that anyone else that has a differing opinion is wrong.

As to your question on coaching, I have not coached an NFL team. I will give you that. But I have coached youth football for several years (as well as other sports for many years). Agreed, not the same as being an NFL coach. But lots of coaches in professional sports sit their studs in a blowout or rotate other players in. Look at the Spurs this year. Does that make Gregg Popovich an arrogant nerd that doesn't know anything?

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

this is the most annoying kind of backwards looking whine.

like belichick says --- let him know which guys are going to get hurt and he won't play them.

gostkowski gets ruined because some lump misses a block and you'd be first in line questioning that decision.

I guess it's easier playing with a stacked deck when you have the benefit of knowing how every event plays out through hindsight.

wait -- how about all those playoff games we lost because players came in a little out of condition for OT, or a little out of synch, rusty, or complacent from sitting out a couple weeks, or missing time in games?

I guess you'll have to wait for them to actually happen so you can look them up to cry about those.

most of this kind of nonsense started in 2007 when we completely turned over our receivers and everybody whined about them playing in the 4th qtr --- how'd it look last year when we turned over the receivers?

did it look like they could use more work together, or were you perfectly fine with where they were at for the playoffs?

have you ever coached anything in your life?

you're complaining about the most successful guy in the history of his sport.

the nerd arrogance that you would somehow be better suited to develop players or coach an nfl team, or that nothing exists until you personally witness it is absolutely amazing.

you're seriously making a case that out of all the teams in the league it's the pats whose lesser luminaries aren't prepared, or don't contribute?

Ummm . . . ok, I guess. No one is asking for a crystal ball to know how plays will turn out. No one was suggesting that the Pats shouldn't play their starters when it mattered. I don't think that it is really off base to suggest that they sit their starters, or more importantly their stars or guys recovering from injuries, in a blow out . . . especially when the team has had problems having guys fresh and healthy in the playoffs. I don't see how taking those guys out in games that are locked up and giving the back ups another 50-60 snaps across the course of the season would pose undo harm to the starters and their stamina and conditioning.

'nuff said

this has gotten a little far afield from dobson, so if you could just link me to all your internet rants about gronk on special teams before the injury I'd be content with that.

 

[Bri]

IMO He's the only WR on the Pats that plays big and plays like a #1.

Lafell is built similarly but doesn't and KT is a couple inches shorter and to me looks like a #2.

If just for a few plays, he'll get some time when he's healthy and always have a door open for him until they sign a better WR.

Amendola and Edelman's quick feet and change of direction can seem unstoppable at times, but it's just soooo easy to throw a lob to a tall WR that knows how to use his body.

 

[Anarchy99]

'nuff said

this has gotten a little far afield from dobson, so if you could just link me to all your internet rants about gronk on special teams before the injury I'd be content with that.

Dude, clearly you are just trying to stir the pot and pick a fight. I never said anything about guys playing on special teams or not playing on special teams. All I said, for the third time, is that I don't see the point of playing starters late in a game in a blowout, whether it was Brady, Gronk, Welker, Moss, Dillon, or whomever. There is way more downside (potential season ending injury) than there is upside. In fact, I don't even see that there is any upside. Gronk broke his arm when the Pats were up 3-4 TDs with under 5 minutes to go in the game. I could care less at that point if he was on offense, defense, or special teams. There is no need for him to be in the game at that point. None. Unless, of course, you want to stake your claim that Gronk needed how to stand and protect the kicker on extra points for the 200 extra point. Would he really forget how to block in a kick formation if he only was in on 199 extra points?

Yes, guys get hurt all the time. But if some no name UDFA was the one that broke his arm on an extra point in a blow out, the team would not suffer long term consequences. When Gronk broke his arm, the team was DOA. If you can't see the difference, then I'm afraid we will just have to agree to disagree.

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

'nuff said

this has gotten a little far afield from dobson, so if you could just link me to all your internet rants about gronk on special teams before the injury I'd be content with that.

Dude, clearly you are just trying to stir the pot and pick a fight. I never said anything about guys playing on special teams or not playing on special teams. All I said, for the third time, is that I don't see the point of playing starters late in a game in a blowout, whether it was Brady, Gronk, Welker, Moss, Dillon, or whomever. There is way more downside (potential season ending injury) than there is upside. In fact, I don't even see that there is any upside. Gronk broke his arm when the Pats were up 3-4 TDs with under 5 minutes to go in the game. I could care less at that point if he was on offense, defense, or special teams. There is no need for him to be in the game at that point. None. Unless, of course, you want to stake your claim that Gronk needed how to stand and protect the kicker on extra points for the 200 extra point. Would he really forget how to block in a kick formation if he only was in on 199 extra points?

Yes, guys get hurt all the time. But if some no name UDFA was the one that broke his arm on an extra point in a blow out, the team would not suffer long term consequences. When Gronk broke his arm, the team was DOA. If you can't see the difference, then I'm afraid we will just have to agree to disagree.

I said 'nuff said!!

 

[SeniorVBDStudent]

IMO He's the only WR on the Pats that plays big and plays like a #1.

Lafell is built similarly but doesn't and KT is a couple inches shorter and to me looks like a #2.

If just for a few plays, he'll get some time when he's healthy and always have a door open for him until they sign a better WR.

Amendola and Edelman's quick feet and change of direction can seem unstoppable at times, but it's just soooo easy to throw a lob to a tall WR that knows how to use his body.

He appears to have hands of stone. I wonder if that has gotten any better.

 

[Bri]

IMO He's the only WR on the Pats that plays big and plays like a #1.

Lafell is built similarly but doesn't and KT is a couple inches shorter and to me looks like a #2.

If just for a few plays, he'll get some time when he's healthy and always have a door open for him until they sign a better WR.

Amendola and Edelman's quick feet and change of direction can seem unstoppable at times, but it's just soooo easy to throw a lob to a tall WR that knows how to use his body.

He appears to have hands of stone. I wonder if that has gotten any better.

I thought he was like a lot of rooks (and Kenny Britt as a veteran) that he can make a circus catch yet miss easy ones so my mind goes to lack of focus and inexperience. The circus catch ablity makes me figure his hands are "fixable" and he does have the ability.

He sure hasn't played enough to evaluate well

 

[Kool-Aid Larry]

yeah, jerry rice had a lot of drops his rookie year

give him a chance

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

The Boston Globe's Erik Frenz believes Aaron Dobson will be a part of the Patriots' offense "sooner than later."

Dobson was a healthy scratch Week 1 after missing most of the offseason program with a foot injury. After Kenbrell Thompkins and Brandon LaFell combined to catch 5 of 16 targets against the Dolphins, it would be a surprise if Dobson was once again inactive Week 2. Dobson has the most upside of all the Patriots "X" receivers, and is still worth a stash in deeper leagues.

Source: Boston Globe

Sep 13 - 11:15 AM

 

[Ilov80s]

Thompkins and Lafell aren't the answer so Dobson will get his chance soon.

 

[SameSongNDance]

Active today. Time for him to take over.

 

[LOCO]

brady threw for 149 yards. the window to buy is still open.

 

[need2know]

Trying to get him in my leagues. I think he's got a chance to be a big part of the offense

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

A source told the Boston Globe that Aaron Dobson was deactivated in Weeks 3 and 4 because he "mouthed off" to Patriots OC Josh McDaniels.

"Mouthing off" to Belichick wannabe McDaniels apparently costs you two full games, despite the Patriots' glaring needs at perimeter wide receiver. 23 years old, big, and fast, Dobson would give New England an offensive element it sorely lacks, but it sounds like McDaniels is putting his ego before the team. Dobson's status going forward is unclear. He's just a WR5 stash in 12-team leagues.


Source: Shalise Manza Young on Twitter
Oct 1 - 8:46 PM

 

[SameSongNDance]

Hmm teaching him a lesson versus having a 6'3 WR with 4.4 wheels out there to stretch defenses. Tough choice, I think they should continue having Edelman out there running go routes. Pats are a joke.