Gabriel Traded to Patriots (1 Viewer)

[Polyethylene Bag]

Published Sat Sep 2 2:50:00 p.m. CT 2006

(KFFL) Jerry McDonald, of ANG Newspapers, reports the Oakland Raiders have traded WR Doug Gabriel to the New England Patriots. The compensation for Gabriel has not been announced yet. The Patriots, with starting WR Deion Branch in a rancorous holdout, were in the market for a receiver.

looks like the Pats are ready to play hardball.

 

[Garts]

Gabriel's stock up

 

[Righetti]

Jerry Porter and Donald Curry Stock UP

 

[joffer]

interesting

 

[Lightning-in-a-Bottle]

how high would you raise gabriels stock? would you drop the likes of ladell betts or ryan moats for him? assuming those are your 4-6th rbs?

 

[Sigmund Bloom]

Ben Watson should be in your top 7 TEs now by my count, and possibly in your top 5.

 

[massraider]

Not sure how to take this, it really came out of left field.

Could mean:

Raiders are pleased with Johnnie Morant's development.

Raiders believe Curry is all the way back.

Jerry Porter isn't as deep in the doghouse as everyone thought.

 

[flranger]

I just dropped Braylon Edwards for Gabriel.........I have Branch. Did I goof?

 

[bostonfred]

I would be surprised if Gabriel contributed immediately. The Patriots have brought in a number of veteran WRs in the past, and none have contributed right out of the gate.

The Patriots needed receiver help regardless of the Branch situation. Gabriel adds much needed depth, and he has a decent YPC. I don't know much about him as a player, though - is he a vertical threat? How are his hands?

Who's starting for the Raiders now? And does anyone know what this cost the Patriots?

 

[secretid]

I'd hold betts here as he may start week 1.

Porter seems like a good grab if you can get him.

 

[Patoons]

How quickly is this kid going to be able to pick up the offense and contribute?

 

[Beaumont]

Not sure how to take this, it really came out of left field.

Could mean:

Raiders are pleased with Johnnie Morant's development.

Raiders believe Curry is all the way back.

Jerry Porter isn't as deep in the doghouse as everyone thought.

I would think to trade Gabriel it would mean at least two out of three of these things ...

 

[imeimex]

Gabriel was dropping too many balls, but they did not have another alternative at the time with Curry recovering and trying to punish Porter. It became apparent that the coaches were losing trust in Gabriel and he would not be their #2 for long.

Having said that, I think he will have a lot of value in New England. Caldwell has looked lost for most of the pre-season, and I can see Gabriel easily beating him out.

 

[joffer]

i don't remember this many trades this late in the preseason before. sure makes it the last week interesting....

i think this bumps up Curry a little.

 

[flranger]

Tom Brady's #1 WR (if healthy) has to be worth 60/800/6. If Branch is traded, would Gabriel beat out Troy Brown and Reche Caldwell.? I'd sure think so.

 

[Lightning-in-a-Bottle]

Gabriel has the deep threat ability that the patriots thrive on...he could easily be the #2 wr there behind ben watson.

 

[massraider]

I don't know much about him as a player, though - is he a vertical threat? How are his hands?Who's starting for the Raiders now? And does anyone know what this cost the Patriots?

Physically, he's the equal of Porter, and plays faster. He was considered a raw athlete (small school), but actually looked good right off the bat. Hasn't really progressed as much as I would have liked, but perhaps playing for a bad team with some bad coaches has made him look worse than he is.Has deep speed for sure, but I've seen him make some tough intermediate catches. Hands have been spotty. Makes tough catches, drops some he should grab. Can return kicks, isn't real shifty, but can break some long ones.My initial thought is that if we got decent comp, I'm fine letting him go. But I can also say that I will be in the minority, as far as Raider Nation goes.

 

[Couch Potato]

I just dropped Braylon Edwards for Gabriel.........I have Branch. Did I goof?

Get Edwards back ASAP. Don't do knee jerk stuff like that!

 

[PatsWillWin]

I just dropped Braylon Edwards for Gabriel.........I have Branch. Did I goof?

 

[GRIDIRON ASSASSIN]

I've seen two Raiders games, and Gabriel has actually looked pretty solid.

 

[Lightning-in-a-Bottle]

i dropped ryan moats for gabriel...and not looking back. Drinking the Gabriel Kool-Aid

 

[flranger]

I just dropped Braylon Edwards for Gabriel.........I have Branch. Did I goof?

Gete Edwards back ASAP. Don't do knee jerk stuff like that!

Agree, dumb move. Hope he clears waivers. We only have 5 bench spots in our league and Edwards was going to get dropped anyways so I can get a TE by Thursday (I didn't draft one, would rather sit on extra WR/RB until right before the first game).

 

[wannabee]

I think the Raiders making this trade at this time says more about Curry, and how he looks.

I see Gabriel as a "deep threat" with average, or worse, hands. His route running might be exposed in NE. Also, I think this trade says how poorly CJackson has picked up the playbook:

Jackson may not be in '06 plans

Published Sat Sep 2 11:17:00 a.m. ET 2006

(Rotoworld) Chad Jackson's failure to play during training camp and the preseason was reportedly due in part to his lack of knowing the playbook.

Impact: Jackson was thought to be on the pine mainly due to a lingering hamstring injury. With Deion Branch still not in camp, the second-round pick needs to pick it up and get healthy

 

[bostonfred]

Has deep speed for sure, but I've seen him make some tough intermediate catches. Hands have been spotty. Makes tough catches, drops some he should grab.

Thanks. I'd probably put him at 25-30 catches, 375-450 yards, 2 TDs right now, with very little upside. They'll probably work him in slowly, mostly on first downs for deep or intermediate pass routes.

 

[joffer]

from yesterday:

September 1, 2006, 19:48 Raiders :: WRWR Porter Slides Down Depth ChartSteve Corkran, Contra Costa Times - [Full Article]Disgruntled WR Jerry Porter has been passed on the depth chart by WR Doug Gabriel and WR Ronald Curry. Going into the season opener Gabriel will start opposite WR Randy Moss.

 

[massraider]

from yesterday:

September 1, 2006, 19:48 Raiders :: WRWR Porter Slides Down Depth ChartSteve Corkran, Contra Costa Times - [Full Article]Disgruntled WR Jerry Porter has been passed on the depth chart by WR Doug Gabriel and WR Ronald Curry. Going into the season opener Gabriel will start opposite WR Randy Moss.

The worst part about that "news" is that he's been running 4th or 5th since camp started.

 

[Solidsteel Rats]

He's ok not great...DG stats last 3 years with oakland.

71 1122 15.8 5

Jerry Porter is the guy they(oakland) wanted always..even if he is still in their doghouse!

Chad Jackson is good..hurt now...but not forever...I say week 3 will be 2nd wideout on NE.

 

[TinHat]

I just dropped Braylon Edwards for Gabriel.........I have Branch. Did I goof?

It'll be fun to bump this one in about 6-7 weeks

 

[Couch Potato]

I just dropped Braylon Edwards for Gabriel.........I have Branch. Did I goof?

It'll be fun to bump this one in about 6-7 weeks

LOL. You're just mean.

 

[imeimex]

Has deep speed for sure, but I've seen him make some tough intermediate catches. Hands have been spotty. Makes tough catches, drops some he should grab.

Thanks. I'd probably put him at 25-30 catches, 375-450 yards, 2 TDs right now, with very little upside. They'll probably work him in slowly, mostly on first downs for deep or intermediate pass routes.

What other receivers do you see getting numbers? I would think that you have Brown and Caldwell starting. Gabriel's talent level is greater than both of those guys. Caldwell has not impressed me, and Brady has had to show him where to line up several times. Just by default the Pats offense will have him get much more than the numbers you suggest.

 

[flranger]

Has deep speed for sure, but I've seen him make some tough intermediate catches. Hands have been spotty. Makes tough catches, drops some he should grab.

Thanks. I'd probably put him at 25-30 catches, 375-450 yards, 2 TDs right now, with very little upside. They'll probably work him in slowly, mostly on first downs for deep or intermediate pass routes.

What other receivers do you see getting numbers? I would think that you have Brown and Caldwell starting. Gabriel's talent level is greater than both of those guys. Caldwell has not impressed me, and Brady has had to show him where to line up several times. Just by default the Pats offense will have him get much more than the numbers you suggest.

Assuming Branch gone:Brady: 3800/26 (had 4300 last year I think)Watson 700/6Gabriel 700/6Brown 600/4Caldwell 400/3Other WRs 200/2Other TEs 400/2All RBs 500/3

 

[joffer]

i think this kills Gabriel's value. kind of a bummer.... i liked him a little in Oakland :(

 

[datonn]

I just dropped Braylon Edwards for Gabriel.........I have Branch. Did I goof?

If you're serious and were sober at the time, we're gonna have to call Shick! in here and ban you for a year....until you've gotten enough FFL hops to be able to post in these boards. Re-draft League: One-year banDynasty League: Banned for LifeAfter reading that someone dumped Edwards for Gabriel, I think I gotta go take a shower. I feel dirty all-over......Run.....RUN back to your waiver wire and grab Edwards again, for the love of fantasy football!

 

[Hairy Snowman]

Has deep speed for sure, but I've seen him make some tough intermediate catches. Hands have been spotty. Makes tough catches, drops some he should grab.

Thanks. I'd probably put him at 25-30 catches, 375-450 yards, 2 TDs right now, with very little upside. They'll probably work him in slowly, mostly on first downs for deep or intermediate pass routes.

What other receivers do you see getting numbers? I would think that you have Brown and Caldwell starting. Gabriel's talent level is greater than both of those guys. Caldwell has not impressed me, and Brady has had to show him where to line up several times. Just by default the Pats offense will have him get much more than the numbers you suggest.

Personally, I thought that Gabriel was the receiver that was showing me the most on the Raiders roster this year (yes, I said it). Gabriel has shown me speed, hands and sharp route running. IMO biggest flaw in his game is his smaller size. I dont know what the previous poster was talking about with the "bad hands" comment. I think, even with Branch, this is now the most talented receiver on the Patriots roster. With Branch, and this passing attack could be deadly.Major upgrade for Gabriel, as he now, for the first time in his career, has a coach that should put him in a position to succeed on the field (as opposed to a coach that will simply ask him to make plays). Do I think it will take long to get him into the flow? Not as long as it would if he played any other position. Tom Brady can tell him what route to run in the huddle - this isn't rocket science. A post pattern in Oakland is a post pattern in New England is a post pattern in Green Bay. It shouldn't take Belichik that long for them to integrate him.

 

[bostonfred]

Has deep speed for sure, but I've seen him make some tough intermediate catches. Hands have been spotty. Makes tough catches, drops some he should grab.

Thanks. I'd probably put him at 25-30 catches, 375-450 yards, 2 TDs right now, with very little upside. They'll probably work him in slowly, mostly on first downs for deep or intermediate pass routes.

What other receivers do you see getting numbers? I would think that you have Brown and Caldwell starting. Gabriel's talent level is greater than both of those guys. Caldwell has not impressed me, and Brady has had to show him where to line up several times. Just by default the Pats offense will have him get much more than the numbers you suggest.

Name a veteran receiver who came into New England and produced immediately? The New England offense is all about situational players. I'd expect Gabriel to be a situational player for first downs where they want him to run deep and intermediate pass routes. I wouldn't expect him to play much on third downs, especially if his hands are as bad as advertised - the only formation I'd expect to see him in would be the 5 WR formation where Brady might sneak or throw to one of several receivers running quick hooks and quick slants. And I disagree that anyone has to get much more than those numbers by default. Brown will get 600-700 yards, Caldwell another 500-600, Kevin Faulk another 250-300, Watson around 500-650, Dillon and Maroney combine for about 200-300, Gabriel about 375-450, other TEs around 300-500, and other receivers around 300-500, which would give us a range of 3000-4000 yards for Brady. Who do you see falling off to give Gabriel bigger numbers?

 

[flranger]

I just dropped Braylon Edwards for Gabriel.........I have Branch. Did I goof?

If you're serious and were sober at the time, we're gonna have to call Shick! in here and ban you for a year....until you've gotten enough FFL hops to be able to post in these boards. Re-draft League: One-year banDynasty League: Banned for LifeAfter reading that someone dumped Edwards for Gabriel, I think I gotta go take a shower. I feel dirty all-over......

Agree that was really dumb, but he was getting dropped by Thursday anyways. I didn't draft a TE.I can't claim I was drinking, but I just decided that I should open a beer and get some sense.

 

[CrossEyed]

So is Curry a good pickup at this point?

 

[bostonfred]

Has deep speed for sure, but I've seen him make some tough intermediate catches. Hands have been spotty. Makes tough catches, drops some he should grab.

Thanks. I'd probably put him at 25-30 catches, 375-450 yards, 2 TDs right now, with very little upside. They'll probably work him in slowly, mostly on first downs for deep or intermediate pass routes.

What other receivers do you see getting numbers? I would think that you have Brown and Caldwell starting. Gabriel's talent level is greater than both of those guys. Caldwell has not impressed me, and Brady has had to show him where to line up several times. Just by default the Pats offense will have him get much more than the numbers you suggest.

Personally, I thought that Gabriel was the receiver that was showing me the most on the Raiders roster (yes, I said it). Gabriel has shown me speed, hands and sharp route running. I dont know what the previous poster was talking about with the "bad hands" comment. I think, even with Branch, this is now the most talented receiver on the Patriots roster. Major upgrade for Gabriel, as he now, for the first time in his career, has a coach that will put him a position to succeed (as opposed to a coach that will simply ask him to make plays). Do I think it will take long to get him into the flow? Not as long as it would if he played any other position. Tom Brady can tell him what route to run in the huddle - this isn't rocket science. A post in Oakland is a post in New England is a post in Green Bay.

Wow. I don't think I could disagree with this much more. Top receivers don't "run a post" in the NFL. They need to know the hot reads, they need to adjust based on the coverages, they need to know audibles in case they have to block - there's a ton of things a guy would need to know to immediately be in a position to be a top WR on the roster.

 

[massraider]

Has deep speed for sure, but I've seen him make some tough intermediate catches. Hands have been spotty. Makes tough catches, drops some he should grab.

Thanks. I'd probably put him at 25-30 catches, 375-450 yards, 2 TDs right now, with very little upside. They'll probably work him in slowly, mostly on first downs for deep or intermediate pass routes.

What other receivers do you see getting numbers? I would think that you have Brown and Caldwell starting. Gabriel's talent level is greater than both of those guys. Caldwell has not impressed me, and Brady has had to show him where to line up several times. Just by default the Pats offense will have him get much more than the numbers you suggest.

Name a veteran receiver who came into New England and produced immediately? The New England offense is all about situational players. I'd expect Gabriel to be a situational player for first downs where they want him to run deep and intermediate pass routes. I wouldn't expect him to play much on third downs, especially if his hands are as bad as advertised - the only formation I'd expect to see him in would be the 5 WR formation where Brady might sneak or throw to one of several receivers running quick hooks and quick slants. And I disagree that anyone has to get much more than those numbers by default. Brown will get 600-700 yards, Caldwell another 500-600, Kevin Faulk another 250-300, Watson around 500-650, Dillon and Maroney combine for about 200-300, Gabriel about 375-450, other TEs around 300-500, and other receivers around 300-500, which would give us a range of 3000-4000 yards for Brady. Who do you see falling off to give Gabriel bigger numbers?

Anybody not named Watson. He's better than anyone else there. As far as vet receivers not coming in and contributing, there's a difference between guys like Terell, Andre Davis, and Gabe.I'd be shocked if he caught 375-450.

 

[Guru]

Does anyone feel that the reason the compensation for Gabriel has not been revealed is because Branch is heading to Oakland? I could see Davis pulling this off.

edited for spelling.

 

[OneEastRiver]

What do you think this does for Curry?

In limited action in 2004 (11 games) he went 50/679/6.

If healthy, shouldn't 65/800/6 be reasonable?

 

[datonn]

Agree that was really dumb, but he was getting dropped by Thursday anyways. I didn't draft a TE.I can't claim I was drinking, but I just decided that I should open a beer and get some sense.

Yep. We've all had our moments. I couldn't dare show my face around these parts for a year back in 2000-2001 after going mediocre QB / mediocre QB 1-2 in the expansion draft of my former keep-three league. I think that 90% of the time, it's best to just take a deep breath or two before feeling the need to react to trades and injuries. More often than not, guys get moves wrong and/or over-react and over-value players who are suddenly thrust into a new situation. Gabriel could be okay, but my goodness, you can't cut Braylon Edwards to inherit the latest piece to New England's WRBC! That breaks 3-4 golden rules of FFL, not to mention a few more-minor laws of physics and economics.....

 

[Maurile Tremblay]

Has deep speed for sure, but I've seen him make some tough intermediate catches. Hands have been spotty. Makes tough catches, drops some he should grab.

Thanks. I'd probably put him at 25-30 catches, 375-450 yards, 2 TDs right now, with very little upside. They'll probably work him in slowly, mostly on first downs for deep or intermediate pass routes.

What other receivers do you see getting numbers? I would think that you have Brown and Caldwell starting. Gabriel's talent level is greater than both of those guys. Caldwell has not impressed me, and Brady has had to show him where to line up several times. Just by default the Pats offense will have him get much more than the numbers you suggest.

Personally, I thought that Gabriel was the receiver that was showing me the most on the Raiders roster (yes, I said it). Gabriel has shown me speed, hands and sharp route running. I dont know what the previous poster was talking about with the "bad hands" comment. I think, even with Branch, this is now the most talented receiver on the Patriots roster. Major upgrade for Gabriel, as he now, for the first time in his career, has a coach that will put him a position to succeed (as opposed to a coach that will simply ask him to make plays). Do I think it will take long to get him into the flow? Not as long as it would if he played any other position. Tom Brady can tell him what route to run in the huddle - this isn't rocket science. A post in Oakland is a post in New England is a post in Green Bay.

Wow. I don't think I could disagree with this much more. Top receivers don't "run a post" in the NFL. They need to know the hot reads, they need to adjust based on the coverages, they need to know audibles in case they have to block - there's a ton of things a guy would need to know to immediately be in a position to be a top WR on the roster.

Yes, Brady wouldn't tell him to "run a post" in the huddle. He'd tell him to "run a post against a two-deep zone or loose man coverge, run a curl against a three-deep zone, run a fade against press coverage, and notwithstanding everything else I just said, run a quick slant if two linebackers or a linebacker plus a defensive back from your half of the field rush the passer."On the other hand, Dan Fouts used to tell John Jefferson in the huddle -- instead of specifying a pattern -- "Just get open and I'll throw it to you."

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Not sure how to take this, it really came out of left field.

Could mean:

Raiders are pleased with Johnnie Morant's development.

Raiders believe Curry is all the way back.

Jerry Porter isn't as deep in the doghouse as everyone thought.

 

[imeimex]

Has deep speed for sure, but I've seen him make some tough intermediate catches. Hands have been spotty. Makes tough catches, drops some he should grab.

Thanks. I'd probably put him at 25-30 catches, 375-450 yards, 2 TDs right now, with very little upside. They'll probably work him in slowly, mostly on first downs for deep or intermediate pass routes.

What other receivers do you see getting numbers? I would think that you have Brown and Caldwell starting. Gabriel's talent level is greater than both of those guys. Caldwell has not impressed me, and Brady has had to show him where to line up several times. Just by default the Pats offense will have him get much more than the numbers you suggest.

Name a veteran receiver who came into New England and produced immediately? The New England offense is all about situational players. I'd expect Gabriel to be a situational player for first downs where they want him to run deep and intermediate pass routes. I wouldn't expect him to play much on third downs, especially if his hands are as bad as advertised - the only formation I'd expect to see him in would be the 5 WR formation where Brady might sneak or throw to one of several receivers running quick hooks and quick slants. And I disagree that anyone has to get much more than those numbers by default. Brown will get 600-700 yards, Caldwell another 500-600, Kevin Faulk another 250-300, Watson around 500-650, Dillon and Maroney combine for about 200-300, Gabriel about 375-450, other TEs around 300-500, and other receivers around 300-500, which would give us a range of 3000-4000 yards for Brady. Who do you see falling off to give Gabriel bigger numbers?

When you lay out your numbers, I see where you are coming from, and that does not include Jackson who will eventually be worked in. I know there were great reports about Caldwell prior to the pre-season games, but he literally has the deer in headlights look everytime I see him (Dude has some large eyes). I would guess that Gabriel eventually takes over for Caldwell and steals his numbers.

 

[JohnnyU]

Has deep speed for sure, but I've seen him make some tough intermediate catches. Hands have been spotty. Makes tough catches, drops some he should grab.

Thanks. I'd probably put him at 25-30 catches, 375-450 yards, 2 TDs right now, with very little upside. They'll probably work him in slowly, mostly on first downs for deep or intermediate pass routes.

What other receivers do you see getting numbers? I would think that you have Brown and Caldwell starting. Gabriel's talent level is greater than both of those guys. Caldwell has not impressed me, and Brady has had to show him where to line up several times. Just by default the Pats offense will have him get much more than the numbers you suggest.

Name a veteran receiver who came into New England and produced immediately? The New England offense is all about situational players. I'd expect Gabriel to be a situational player for first downs where they want him to run deep and intermediate pass routes. I wouldn't expect him to play much on third downs, especially if his hands are as bad as advertised - the only formation I'd expect to see him in would be the 5 WR formation where Brady might sneak or throw to one of several receivers running quick hooks and quick slants. And I disagree that anyone has to get much more than those numbers by default. Brown will get 600-700 yards, Caldwell another 500-600, Kevin Faulk another 250-300, Watson around 500-650, Dillon and Maroney combine for about 200-300, Gabriel about 375-450, other TEs around 300-500, and other receivers around 300-500, which would give us a range of 3000-4000 yards for Brady. Who do you see falling off to give Gabriel bigger numbers?

Caldwell just isn't getting it done, so NE felt they needed to get a decent WR. They accomplished that IMO. I see Gabriel becoming a very dependable WR, and certainly better than Brown or Caldwell. It's not news to anyone on this board that NE likes to spread the ball around, but going to NE is a good thing for Gabriel. Watson will lead the team in receptions in 2006, but Gabriel should do just fine.

 

[lod2005]

i think this kills Gabriel's value. kind of a bummer.... i liked him a little in Oakland :(

Excuse me????As a Doug Gabriel owner I am ecstatic that Tom Brady is throwing Gabriel the ball rather than Brooks/whatever. Maybe not at the start of the season but down the road after he gets worked into the lineup. There is nothing in his way.

 

[Couch Potato]

I've been thinking about this a little bit... I'm thinking the real winner in all this is Curry. Moss is Moss, he'll be the featured threat, that's a given. But I've never been sold on Porter over Curry. When they were starting together, pre-Moss and pre-achilles, Curry was clearly outplaying Porter and was quickly becoming the go-to target. He really was reminding me of another converted QB, Hines Ward.

Now, two years later, much has changed. Different QBs, Moss is #1, and two achilles injuries. If Curry is all the way back, though, he's much better suited to be the possession guy to Moss' deep threat. Most are assuming Porter is now out of the doghouse with this trade, but that's not a given. I suppose Porter wiil start - that's what's being assumed - but I think the Raiders are better with Curry out there.

Also, from a dynasty perspective, I read not long ago that Moss is likely to be gone after this year, given his contractual situation (and I don't remember the particulars, but it was a huge number). If Curry has a strong 2006, I still think he could end up being a future WR1. The Raiders, I think, will have a long memory concerning Porter's mouth. That sort of insubordination doesn't go over real well in Raiderland.

CP

 

[Hairy Snowman]

Has deep speed for sure, but I've seen him make some tough intermediate catches. Hands have been spotty. Makes tough catches, drops some he should grab.

Thanks. I'd probably put him at 25-30 catches, 375-450 yards, 2 TDs right now, with very little upside. They'll probably work him in slowly, mostly on first downs for deep or intermediate pass routes.

What other receivers do you see getting numbers? I would think that you have Brown and Caldwell starting. Gabriel's talent level is greater than both of those guys. Caldwell has not impressed me, and Brady has had to show him where to line up several times. Just by default the Pats offense will have him get much more than the numbers you suggest.

Personally, I thought that Gabriel was the receiver that was showing me the most on the Raiders roster (yes, I said it). Gabriel has shown me speed, hands and sharp route running. I dont know what the previous poster was talking about with the "bad hands" comment. I think, even with Branch, this is now the most talented receiver on the Patriots roster. Major upgrade for Gabriel, as he now, for the first time in his career, has a coach that will put him a position to succeed (as opposed to a coach that will simply ask him to make plays). Do I think it will take long to get him into the flow? Not as long as it would if he played any other position. Tom Brady can tell him what route to run in the huddle - this isn't rocket science. A post in Oakland is a post in New England is a post in Green Bay.

Wow. I don't think I could disagree with this much more. Top receivers don't "run a post" in the NFL. They need to know the hot reads, they need to adjust based on the coverages, they need to know audibles in case they have to block - there's a ton of things a guy would need to know to immediately be in a position to be a top WR on the roster.

The problem won't be him understanding the game or the audibles per se, the issue is terminology. Do I think he could learn 10 to 15 plays a week - including audibles- yes, abosolutely. Any player in Belichiks system is going to be a role player anyway. So no-one is going to post crazy numbers in that system. Gabriel will never get Harrison/Moss/Holt type targets (nor should he) - especially in NE. But to the role within which they plan to integrate him, I expect, in that capacity, him to hit the field relatively quickly and be productive.

 

[Couch Potato]

Does anyone feel that the reason the compensation for Gabriel has not been revelaed is because Branch is heading to Oakland? I could see Davis pulling this off.

I'm tempted to jump all over Curry in a couple of my my dynasty leagues, but this is holding me back. Well, partly this, the other thing is I don't want to pull a flranger.