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kenbrell thompkins (2 Viewers)
- Thread starter Bri
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Rolling_akg
Footballguy
'Dola/Gronk/Vereen should leave scraps for the rest to split differently each week. But a big injury probably will hit, and I think Kenbrell may have the goods to produce later in the year.
ChainsawU
Footballguy
Don't attack me for saying this, but as soon as this guy catches a pass in the first preseason game I'm moving him for a 2014 third rounder. We got a two-page thread that's stayed on the front page going on seven days. For an UDFA rookie wide receiver.
ChainsawU
Footballguy
Tackling Dummies
Footballguy
So, when does the stigma wash away?Don't attack me for saying this, but as soon as this guy catches a pass in the first preseason game I'm moving him for a 2014 third rounder. We got a two-page thread that's stayed on the front page going on seven days. For an UDFA rookie wide receiver.
Phenix
Footballguy
A WR who is a on squad with no clear cut stud WR, NO Dola is not a stud, sorry, who has been performing very well in camp while no one is really stepping up?Sell high.
I'll take my chances, after all hitting on guys like this can win your league, ala Alfred Morris. People said the same thing about him last year, that he looked good in camp and few believed it as he was on most WWs until week 3.
Again, I will point this out everywhere and in any thread, but why does Ivory get the injury prone tag, but this guy made of glass does not?
I do not believe Amendola is anything special, he has never had any season over 689 yards and 3 TDs. He did have 85 catches, but only garnered 689 yards? Yeah, thats explosiveness. Brady has just as good chance to create Chemistry with any other WR on the roster.
Amendola is not Welker, stop thinking he is.
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Mann
Footballguy
I feel this argument is very strange. Actually what I'm hearing is that Amendola might be an upgrade (talent-wise, not as old). Don't misunderstand me, Welker was probably one of my favorite players. I love the man for all of his contributions on the Pats. This is not a aimed against Welker. At the same time I don't feel one can dismiss Amendola as being far from what Welker is.
Welker was certainly not considered special (much less so than Amendola) when traded for by the New England Patriots.
I haven't seen the training camps at site myself but when I listen to beat writers they feel Amendola, as far as talent goes, might very well be better and more versatile than Welker. Amendola has dominated in TC so far.
What still has me worried is one thing and that Amendola yet has to prove which is the ability to stay on the field. Welker certianly had that trait over the years (although everyone seems to forget he had a rather serious injury when his knee buckled a few years ago). I find it hard to label players injury prone since most injuries are freak occurences but as much as I'd like to I can't deny he has had trouble staying healthy.
Sorry to hi-jack a Kenbrell Thompkins thread but I just couldn't help myself.
On topic, I think Thompkins could be a steal. However, there are lots of guys that look promising so far (Dobson, Boyce, Aiken) and if everyone keeps developing I don't think WR will be THE ISSUE that everyone is making it out to be in New England.
Welker was taken for granted in many ways IMO.
100 catch WRs are not all that common and he did it with regularity.
Oh so often in sports, when a special player makes something look easy for years and years we almost think it is easy.
I grew up with the papers full of Parcells quotes and Gibbs quotes and all. The best offenses can succeed running a play the defense knows is coming. I've always loved that and both coaches thought that and would say as such many times during their careers.
I think this might be Welker's best attribute- You know it's coming watching on TV, the D must know it's coming, but he catches it anyway.
I think everyone's projections for Amendola sort of became reality as they reasoned it out over and over this offseason. It's like they convinced themselves it's such a sure thing that it almost already happened.
Statistically, Amendola is not close to Welker, he (and the Pats) aspires to be and seems to have the potential to be that good.
There really is this certainty about Amendola that developed this offseason that is a bit much.
I love his potential for 2013, no doubt, but short of an injury, Welker has seven 100 catch seasons in a row. Let's make Amendola earn it before we put him in the HOF
Mann
Footballguy
I agree Bri, if I sounded like Amendola is the greatest thing since sliced bread I take it back. I also agree with your statement that he must prove it before we know what he's capable of. The bit that ticks me off is the fact that one cannot measure earlier stats (on other teams) and compare it with what Welker did in New England and thus say it's ridiculous (don't know if anybody did but that's how touchy I get when the subject is open for debate lol) that Amendola might be giving us the what Welker brought or even close to the same. Welker himself didn't look statistically impressive before he got to NE.
Welker will forever be a hero and deserve all-credit for what he did here. However, the offense played to the strength of the slot WR.
It might also be a case of Amendola not getting the same stats because the offense evolves. BB tends to do that when tougher opponents develops a blue-print on how to stop the offense (like the Ravens did these past playoffs, as in take away Welker). Therefore they acquired a bunch of wide receivers with good speed that are capable of going down-field (Kenbrell Thompkins being one of a bunch - Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce most notably the others). I think it's a "pick your poison"-move that - if these guys prove to be any good - will make opponents less hesitant to move people closer to the LOS.
Welker will forever be a hero and deserve all-credit for what he did here. However, the offense played to the strength of the slot WR.
It might also be a case of Amendola not getting the same stats because the offense evolves. BB tends to do that when tougher opponents develops a blue-print on how to stop the offense (like the Ravens did these past playoffs, as in take away Welker). Therefore they acquired a bunch of wide receivers with good speed that are capable of going down-field (Kenbrell Thompkins being one of a bunch - Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce most notably the others). I think it's a "pick your poison"-move that - if these guys prove to be any good - will make opponents less hesitant to move people closer to the LOS.
Kenbrell ADP on this list was 97 a week ago, 96 last night, and 83 today. Big jump for today.
He went as high as 27th and a week ago was as high as 42
http://football.myfantasyleague.com/2013/adp?COUNT=100&POS=*&CUTOFF=5&FRANCHISES=-1&IS_PPR=-1&IS_KEEPER=2&IS_MOCK=-1&TIME=
That's not round and the traditional way people post it here. It's overall.
He went as high as 27th and a week ago was as high as 42
http://football.myfantasyleague.com/2013/adp?COUNT=100&POS=*&CUTOFF=5&FRANCHISES=-1&IS_PPR=-1&IS_KEEPER=2&IS_MOCK=-1&TIME=
That's not round and the traditional way people post it here. It's overall.
story about troubled past stuff http://bostonherald.com/sports/patriots_nfl/the_blitz/2013/07/butch_jones_calls_kenbrell_thompkins_turnaround_one_of_the
Also at the end it mentions he's Antonio Brown's cousin
same, lil longer article
http://bostonherald.com/sports/patriots_nfl/new_england_patriots/2013/07/kenbrell_thompkins_rescues_himself_from_woes
Also at the end it mentions he's Antonio Brown's cousin
same, lil longer article
http://bostonherald.com/sports/patriots_nfl/new_england_patriots/2013/07/kenbrell_thompkins_rescues_himself_from_woes
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steveski
Footballguy
UDFA's never pan out. :salsa:So, when does the stigma wash away?Don't attack me for saying this, but as soon as this guy catches a pass in the first preseason game I'm moving him for a 2014 third rounder. We got a two-page thread that's stayed on the front page going on seven days. For an UDFA rookie wide receiver.
Tackling Dummies
Footballguy
Check out Waldman's analysis and you might learn a thing or two before you make a mistake.Don't attack me for saying this, but as soon as this guy catches a pass in the first preseason game I'm moving him for a 2014 third rounder. We got a two-page thread that's stayed on the front page going on seven days. For an UDFA rookie wide receiver.
Warrior
Footballguy
We're drafting 2013 fantasy teams. Smart owners don't react AFTER Amendola has a 100+ catch season. They draft him in the 6th round this year based on potential. Those who wait until 2014 will pay a 2nd/3rd round price for him instead.
Phlash
Footballguy
Based on all the news I'm hearing, it's going to be Dobson as the guy to own in this offense this year. I can see him and Gronk reeling in a bunch of touchdowns, possibly 10+ for both. Brady is loving the guy in practice and he's catching everything. Dude is a stellar athlete.
Shanahanigans
Footballguy
I love how people bring up outliers like Cruz, Welker, and Rod Smith to prove that UDFAs have just as good a chance to succeed in the NFL as any other player. Teams on average sign 15+ UDFAs each year. Yet, we can only name 10 or so players from the last 25+ years who became fantasy relevant. The vast majority of all UDFAs will wash out of the league without so much as a snap. But hey, if you want to ignore history be my guest.steveski said:UDFA's never pan out. :salsa:So, when does the stigma wash away?Don't attack me for saying this, but as soon as this guy catches a pass in the first preseason game I'm moving him for a 2014 third rounder. We got a two-page thread that's stayed on the front page going on seven days. For an UDFA rookie wide receiver.
thriftyrocker
Footballguy
What percentage of UDFAs that make the team and earn reps in actual games wash out? At some point we're no longer talking about him vs. other camp bodies and start talking about him vs. NFL depth charts, and the whole conversation changes. Fantasy relevant is a high bar, but the chances of him having an NFL career and being rosterable in dynasty for more than this preseason are good at the moment.
valhallan
Footballguy
The NFL draft has proven itself to be more inaccurate than accurate when it comes to predicting NFL success. It's worth noting where guys are drafted as part of your analysis, but dismissing anyone based on it seems silly. Thompkins is getting praise from the eyes on the ground; that's enough for me to set aside his draft position and take notice.
squistion
Footballguy
I don't think anybody is really saying that, that any UDFA has just as good a chance to succeed in the NFL as a drafted player. I think the point is that it is not necessarily the kiss-of-death it is purported to be and if the player can distinguish himself in OTAs and training camp, then being an UDFA become irrelevant (depending on the coaching staff) and he is judged on his actual talent and ability rather than his undrafted status.
Shanahanigans
Footballguy
Going on the conservative estimate that each team signs 15 UDFAs a year, that means roughly 480 UDFAs enter the league each year. Divide that in two, since we are only dealing with offensive players, you've got 240 UDFAs a year. Divide that in two, since we're only dealing with skill position players, and we've got 120 UDFA fantasy prospects a year. Multiply that by 25 to account for the last 25 years, and we have 3000 UDFAs who could have potentially been fantasy relevant in the last 25 years. Out of thos 3000, we have 10 or so that became fantasy relevant. 10! Out of 3000. That's .003333 percent of UDFAs that have become fantasy relevant in the last 25 years. And that's a conservative estimate.
I agree that being a UDFA isn't the kiss of death, but let's not throw out the statistics just because we can point to some extreme outliers who succeeded. Of course some UDFAs will get good news, there's a ton of them, but the odds of Thompkins ever being fantasy relevant are extremely slim.
11. Play of the day goes to rookie wide receiver Kenbrell Thompkins, who hauled in a long play action pass from Brady. Thompkins effectively took the top off of the defense, something the team lacked in 2012. He plays faster than his timed speed (4.54 forty).
5. One more note on Julian Edelman: Early in practice, the quarterbacks and offensive skill players take part in a "pat-and-go" drill in which a quarterback pats the football, signaling for the skill player to run down the field before he arcs a throw to him. Tom Brady, perhaps as a preservation method, would throw to the first two receivers in line, then allow an assistant equipment manager to throw to the remaining receivers, except Edelman. Brady, who has always spoken highly of Edelman's work ethic, stepped up to throw to Edelman when he was up in the drill.
8. First time we've seen -- at least that we can recall -- rookie wide receiver Josh Boyceworking as a kickoff returner, which he did as a member of the scout team. Perhaps this is an area he'll get more work in at down the line.
5. One more note on Julian Edelman: Early in practice, the quarterbacks and offensive skill players take part in a "pat-and-go" drill in which a quarterback pats the football, signaling for the skill player to run down the field before he arcs a throw to him. Tom Brady, perhaps as a preservation method, would throw to the first two receivers in line, then allow an assistant equipment manager to throw to the remaining receivers, except Edelman. Brady, who has always spoken highly of Edelman's work ethic, stepped up to throw to Edelman when he was up in the drill.
8. First time we've seen -- at least that we can recall -- rookie wide receiver Josh Boyceworking as a kickoff returner, which he did as a member of the scout team. Perhaps this is an area he'll get more work in at down the line.
FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- With Julian Edelman coming off the physically unable to perform list Thursday, and practicing for the first time, it provided the first snapshot of what the team's receiver depth chart could look like on opening day.
We knew all along that the roster locks are Danny Amendola, second-round draft choice Aaron Dobson and fourth-round pick Josh Boyce.
Amendola is the top slot option, but also projects to play plenty on the outside in two-receiver sets. The smooth-striding Dobson, at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, is a top option on the perimeter, while Boyce (5-11, 205) looks like he has flexibility and smarts to line up in any spot (similar to what made Jabar Gaffney an ideal No. 3-4 receiver, but faster).
Then there's rookie free agent Kenbrell Thompkins, who has been a revelation to this point, mostly lining up on the outside. He had the play of the day Thursday, splitting three defenders to haul in a long Tom Brady pass over the middle. If the first six practices of camp are any indication, he should be there on the final 53-man roster, possibly even finding a way into the team's three-receiver set.
Edelman, who has built a strong rapport with Brady and also is a top punt returner, would be a strong candidate for a fifth spot. Given all the turnover at the position, it's hard to imagine him going anywhere. Brady went out of his way to make sure he was throwing to Edelman at one point Thursday, as noted by eagle-eyed colleague Field Yates.
So if everyone's healthy, the receiver position would project to shake out this way: Amendola, Dobson, Boyce, Thompkins and Edelman.
Add in special teamer Matthew Slater, who technically has the "WR" next to his name on the roster but is more of an emergency option than anything else, and the number spikes to six and probably ends there.
http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4746021/big-takeaway-wr-corps-in-focus
We knew all along that the roster locks are Danny Amendola, second-round draft choice Aaron Dobson and fourth-round pick Josh Boyce.
Amendola is the top slot option, but also projects to play plenty on the outside in two-receiver sets. The smooth-striding Dobson, at 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, is a top option on the perimeter, while Boyce (5-11, 205) looks like he has flexibility and smarts to line up in any spot (similar to what made Jabar Gaffney an ideal No. 3-4 receiver, but faster).
Then there's rookie free agent Kenbrell Thompkins, who has been a revelation to this point, mostly lining up on the outside. He had the play of the day Thursday, splitting three defenders to haul in a long Tom Brady pass over the middle. If the first six practices of camp are any indication, he should be there on the final 53-man roster, possibly even finding a way into the team's three-receiver set.
Edelman, who has built a strong rapport with Brady and also is a top punt returner, would be a strong candidate for a fifth spot. Given all the turnover at the position, it's hard to imagine him going anywhere. Brady went out of his way to make sure he was throwing to Edelman at one point Thursday, as noted by eagle-eyed colleague Field Yates.
So if everyone's healthy, the receiver position would project to shake out this way: Amendola, Dobson, Boyce, Thompkins and Edelman.
Add in special teamer Matthew Slater, who technically has the "WR" next to his name on the roster but is more of an emergency option than anything else, and the number spikes to six and probably ends there.
http://espn.go.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4746021/big-takeaway-wr-corps-in-focus
massraider
Footballguy
valhallan said:
You can find nice things said about every WR in Pats camp.valhallan said:
Phenix
Footballguy
MAC_32
Footballguy
tombonneau
Footballguy
11 Play of the day goes to Aaron Dobson, who made an impressive adjustment on a ball thrown by Ryan Mallett, who took a pitch back from LeGarrette Blount on a flea-flicker. Dobson showed good field awareness to track the ball, identify where the defenders were and put himself in a position to make the catch.
9. Julian Edelman has been strong in his return from a foot injury, putting in another productive day on Friday, but he was careless in fielding a bouncing punt that he had called for his teammates to get away from. In a situation like that, it's better to let the opposing team receive a good bounce rather than try to handle a tough punt, something Edelman is well aware of.
13. Rookie receiver Kenbrell Thompkins has been a player we've watched closely in recent days, and he worked as a punt returner again on Friday. Another way to build value.
15. Defensive play of the day goes to cornerback Aqib Talib, who deftly undercut a route byJosh Boyce and snared a Tom Brady throw that he returned for a score. It looked like Talib may have tried to spike the ball and actually hit his thigh, briefly causing him to walk gingerly. All was good soon, as Talib was back a play later and impressively broke on a hitch route.
9. Julian Edelman has been strong in his return from a foot injury, putting in another productive day on Friday, but he was careless in fielding a bouncing punt that he had called for his teammates to get away from. In a situation like that, it's better to let the opposing team receive a good bounce rather than try to handle a tough punt, something Edelman is well aware of.
13. Rookie receiver Kenbrell Thompkins has been a player we've watched closely in recent days, and he worked as a punt returner again on Friday. Another way to build value.
15. Defensive play of the day goes to cornerback Aqib Talib, who deftly undercut a route byJosh Boyce and snared a Tom Brady throw that he returned for a score. It looked like Talib may have tried to spike the ball and actually hit his thigh, briefly causing him to walk gingerly. All was good soon, as Talib was back a play later and impressively broke on a hitch route.
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Days ago I said Boyce needed to step up...still not seeing that appear in articles. Some rooks need more time to develop, it wouldn't be so odd at all. I'm starting to think he's that type and not going to be much in 2013.
I don't recall if it was posted Lavelle Hawkins was cut.
Jenkins didn't do well, then came up lame with a hamstring today. He started TC with a chance, but he's fading fast IMO
I don't recall if it was posted Lavelle Hawkins was cut.
Jenkins didn't do well, then came up lame with a hamstring today. He started TC with a chance, but he's fading fast IMO
From Boston.com
Stock up:
Kenbrell Thompkins: Was spotted returning punts in special teams drills. Showed impressive quickness in his release. Won both his matchups in one-on-one drills against Brandon Jones and Justin Green. Has also shown a keen ability to track the ball in flight, over his shoulder, when going deep. Thompkins had a strong start to camp, and has continued to build off that to become one of the top "dark horse" candidates to make the roster.
Ryan Mallett: Went 3-for-4 in the first session of 11-on-11 work, and showed solid accuracy on on a few throws into tight windows, one on an in-route to Kenbrell Thompkins and another on a drag route to Kamar Aiken. Also showed off his big arm on a nice touch pass to Matthew Slater in the end zone in one-on-one drills, and on a flea flicker to Aaron Dobson, who made the catch despite being interfered with by Aqib Talib.
Stock down:
Quentin Sims: Continues to drop easy passes, and has spent a majority of his time with the third-team offense. The competition at wide receiver is growing stiffer with the return of Julian Edelman and the emergence of Thompkins, Dobson, Aiken and Boyce. Sims may not be long for the roster.
Michael Jenkins: Much of what was said about Sims applies to Jenkins. On top of that, Jenkins was spotted being worked on by trainers with an apparent hamstring issue. The young receivers have been getting most of the reps with Tom Brady, and Jenkins has been on the outside of this battle looking in since the first day of training camp.
Brandon Jones: Showed good ball skills on a throw into the end zone, in coverage on Matthew Slater, but gave up two receptions to Kenbrell Thompkins and Aaron Dobson in 7-on-7 goal line work, and a third in one-on-one coverage drills against Kamar Aiken. Jones is one of many Rutgers defensive backs on the roster, but his alma mater may not be enough to save his roster spot if he keeps getting burned in practice.
Stock up:
Kenbrell Thompkins: Was spotted returning punts in special teams drills. Showed impressive quickness in his release. Won both his matchups in one-on-one drills against Brandon Jones and Justin Green. Has also shown a keen ability to track the ball in flight, over his shoulder, when going deep. Thompkins had a strong start to camp, and has continued to build off that to become one of the top "dark horse" candidates to make the roster.
Ryan Mallett: Went 3-for-4 in the first session of 11-on-11 work, and showed solid accuracy on on a few throws into tight windows, one on an in-route to Kenbrell Thompkins and another on a drag route to Kamar Aiken. Also showed off his big arm on a nice touch pass to Matthew Slater in the end zone in one-on-one drills, and on a flea flicker to Aaron Dobson, who made the catch despite being interfered with by Aqib Talib.
Stock down:
Quentin Sims: Continues to drop easy passes, and has spent a majority of his time with the third-team offense. The competition at wide receiver is growing stiffer with the return of Julian Edelman and the emergence of Thompkins, Dobson, Aiken and Boyce. Sims may not be long for the roster.
Michael Jenkins: Much of what was said about Sims applies to Jenkins. On top of that, Jenkins was spotted being worked on by trainers with an apparent hamstring issue. The young receivers have been getting most of the reps with Tom Brady, and Jenkins has been on the outside of this battle looking in since the first day of training camp.
Brandon Jones: Showed good ball skills on a throw into the end zone, in coverage on Matthew Slater, but gave up two receptions to Kenbrell Thompkins and Aaron Dobson in 7-on-7 goal line work, and a third in one-on-one coverage drills against Kamar Aiken. Jones is one of many Rutgers defensive backs on the roster, but his alma mater may not be enough to save his roster spot if he keeps getting burned in practice.
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Team ROFLCOPTERS
Footballguy
I'm watching him in the same way I watched D. Moore a couple years ago. Maybe more due to the need and the system.
cusefan115
Footballguy
Phenix
Footballguy
Backside Pursuit
Footballguy
Probably nothing but any little tidbit to feed the fire...
Day 8 Practice Report
Bill Belichick did something [odd] on Saturday that this writer has never seen in a training camp practice in seven-plus years covering the Patriots: He split the team up for a blue and white scrimmage, with the white team featuring most of the top offensive players and second-string defensive players, and the blue team consisting of the top defensive players and reserve offensive players.
Roster for the white team:
QB — Tom Brady, Ryan Mallett.
RB — Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, Brandon Bolden (in uniform but did not participate), James Develin, George Winn.
WR — Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman, Kenbrell Thompkins, Kamar Aiken, Johnathan Haggerty.
Roster for the blue team:
QB — Tim Tebow
RB — Leon Washington, LeGarrette Blount, Ben Bartholomew.
WR — Aaron Dobson, Matthew Slater, Josh Boyce, Quentin Sims.
Day 8 Practice Report
Bill Belichick did something [odd] on Saturday that this writer has never seen in a training camp practice in seven-plus years covering the Patriots: He split the team up for a blue and white scrimmage, with the white team featuring most of the top offensive players and second-string defensive players, and the blue team consisting of the top defensive players and reserve offensive players.
Roster for the white team:
QB — Tom Brady, Ryan Mallett.
RB — Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen, Brandon Bolden (in uniform but did not participate), James Develin, George Winn.
WR — Danny Amendola, Julian Edelman, Kenbrell Thompkins, Kamar Aiken, Johnathan Haggerty.
Roster for the blue team:
QB — Tim Tebow
RB — Leon Washington, LeGarrette Blount, Ben Bartholomew.
WR — Aaron Dobson, Matthew Slater, Josh Boyce, Quentin Sims.
Wasn't the early buzz on Victor Cruz a lot like it is for Thomkpkins (before his injury)? Not that the result will necessarily be the same, but Cruz has clearly paid off. Someone else mentioned Denarius Moore too. And then there's everyone's favorite UDFA Miles Austin. Might as well roll the dice, especially in dynasty.
Phenix
Footballguy
Strange, Dobson on second team?
Maybe Bill sees what everyone else has already, and that Thompkins is lighting it up.
Phenix
Footballguy
He is creating too much buzz for there not to be something to what this kid has to offer.
UDFA and running with 1st team, if he is on any ww, he shouldn't be.
ConnSKINS26
Footballguy
There was Streater last year as well, he had an alright rookie year on a bad team, but I doubt he lives up to the original preseason hype either. And then some guys don't show it until the lights go up in the regular season. Guys like Cam and RG3 had average or even below average preseasons, running limited plays in a vanilla offense, and then blew up almost immediately in really game time.
Teams rarely give away what they're going to do during the season. Not that they necessarily hide guys, but dominant training camp performances and dominant preseason production don't mean anything. It can be a precursor to greater things, or not. Usually not, from the specific cases I remember. Cruz torching the Jets for 3 TD's before injuring himself his first preseason, and then turning out to be a great player, seems to be a rare occurrence.
Phenix
Footballguy
If by chance Thompkins has a good preseason, he will be untouchable, is his current value not worth it?
Also, he could be had for cheap, how is he not value with upside if he is running with 1st team?
Do you think the run their scrubs with the 1st team because the reps are not a value in camp?
ConnSKINS26
Footballguy
Down, boy. I'm not even saying anything against Thompkins here. He's absolutely a buy at his current price and taking into account what some actual preseason production will do on top of his hype so far. I was speaking generally about UDFA's, or really any player with out-of-nowhere preseason hype. Sometimes it's real, sometimes it's a mirage. Especially when you're talking about a guy who got a head start on other guys because of their injuries, it's possible we see Boyce and/or Dobson catch up or surpass him. Same with Edelman when he's fully healthy. This could go a lot of ways, but I've got nothing against Thompkins.
But one fact is that guys have to earn their reps. He's obviously earned his in the absence of the rookie draft picks, and the one decent veteran WR with experience in the system, through the first few days of camp. Now it's time to see if those two guys (and Edelman) impress enough to take the reps themselves. Or if they'll all continue to rotate in with the 1st and 2nd team and we'll have no idea who to buy until the season has started, or the season starts and they all get theirs every couple weeks creating a huge mess. No way to know right now, but it's an interesting battle.
Fiddles
Footballguy
You on twitter? Search for Boyce. http://nesn.com/2013/08/josh-boyce-enjoys-another-great-practice-continues-to-make-case-to-be-starting-wide-receiver/
After missing the entire spring healing from a broken foot, Boyce began camp at a slight disadvantage and without any sort of first-hand experience in the offense. Nine days and eight practices later, Boyce has already caught up to the other receivers and even seems to be the most adept of the rookies. Thompkins has been the most consistent so far, developing a good connection with Brady, and Dobson has made the most highlight-worthy plays, but Boyce looks to be the best of the group.
Eight practices only five in pads is a small sample size to work with, so add as much salt as necessary. Boyce seems to be the clear standout of this rookie receiver group, though. Hes already more comfortable in the offense than Dobson, and hes at least on par with Thompkins, even though Kenbrell is the one working with the first team.
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that's real good he stepped up today
Still running with the second team while Thompkins is with the first.
Phenix
Footballguy
Agree small sample size, but we are talking fantasy upside, especially in dynos. This kid has good potential, I think thats really what most of the people defending him are trying to say. No one is anointing him a stud, just that he has as much potential as a Dobson or Boyce, if not more with how the coaching staff is using him as they attempt to get ready for a season.
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Fiddles was talking about Boyce. Boyce has received a lot of love on Twitter but the articles have not been favorable in TC-well, relative to Dobson and KT. I'd surely appreciate "loving" comments from Mike Reiss or somesuch, but he's written a real lot about the WR situation (which I posted here) and the Globe and Herald reporters seem to echo what he says.
Everyone seems to comment on his athleticism, but...well to me he seems like a typical rookie while the other two could have significant roles.
I have a friend that likes Boyce and he texted "worst thing that could happen to him" and a link to him backing up Amendola in the slot. It was for a day and not to be overblown, but yeah he was minimized that day.
Early on in TC, he made a catch where he either ripped the ball away from a defender or it fell into his hands. Otherwise not much til he had one notable day and now today he did well.
It's a competition, so what if Dobson and KT jumped out in front, Boyce still has time. However, like I said, before today I thought he was fading.
Dobson continues to struggle against press coverage-this was exposed the third day IIRC and BB is pushing him. There's a ton of articles praising him, but clearly an issue came up that BB wants to rectify. I expect other teams to know this and do the same in preseason. He'll "get it" most wideouts do.
Thompkins made a few (just a few) mental mistakes one day and came back the next day doing everything right and has received compliments from Brady about that.
Everyone seems to have taken a turn returning punts. Dobson and Thompkins didn't do well. Boyce was expected to help here and he muffed a few one day. This brought more negativity toward Boyce.
Talib who complimented the other two, picked off a pass for a score (practice) because Boyce ran a wrong route and left Brady out to dry. Twice Thompkins has caught the last pass of practice and made it a sweet one. You can say these are just three plays and they are, but like I said Boyce needs to have a real good day.
He did so we'll see. There's a lot of time left and still no game action yet.
Change subject same point-last year's practice squad player in Jax, Mike Brown...I was reading today about all the praise for him and what stood out was he's taken what one writer said was 85% of the snaps with the first team in the slot. Yeah he was a nobody former QB and not on people's radars but that's a ridiculous amount of time in the slot for people to not be forced to take stock and put him in their rankings. (one other nugget was a coach saying how he "killed them" on the practice team last year during practices. Thompkins isn't even ranked on most sites but he's been running with the 1s since day one. He should be ranked-maybe 300th player and they don't like his chances, but we are getting to 2 weeks in and starting to see some things we can use when predicting the season.
Right now, ADP is all hype for rookie WRs. Some gems are running as fourth WR and others clearly stuck on the second team and...it'll change soon, but it hasn't yet. Once everyone notices who the starters are and who the backups are after the games get started, then there's usually a switch in rankings.
EBF
Footballguy
I've been reading articles almost daily and the overall verdict on Boyce seems pretty positive so far. He's been dropping too many passes, but many different sources have commented on his explosiveness and consistent ability to separate. If anything, Dobson has been the coldest the last few days. I like Boyce to win the long term race over Thompkins because of his superior athletic traits, but most sources see Thompkins as a near lock to make the roster at this point.
Dobson has struggled last few days. I'd say he was the strongest to start TC, high draft pick, working with the ones, doing well...foregone conclusion. Then he missed a practice, next day off, then a good practice, then back to the press coverage about paralyzing him at the line.
Boyce hasn't done consistently well-I strongly disagree on some of the characterizations here and have regularly posted articles within from very reputable sources. He does seem to have an athleticism that catches everyone's attention. He has had good days, just not consistently.
KT has been steady and has one bad day. Most importantly, he hasn't relinquished his spot with the ones.
I really strongly think Dobson is a starter week 1. The quotes, the articles, everything is really convincing me he's got one spot. (Again we are before games but I feel like he's penciled in)
Amendola is either opposite him or in the slot. When Amendola is in the slot, I think KT has earned it thus far, but Edelman could be given that spot.
Boyce seems to have learned three positions while the others haven't had to, also ST work has been far more than the others. He definitely had a larger learning curve.
I think it'll shake out as Boyce is the sub that can come into any spot and BB and McDaniels love him creating a matchup problem this way.
Edelman has always seemed brittle and thus far he hasn't changed that perception but he just got back. I think KT could start there or be all the way back as the fifth WR. I strongly feel it's Edelman or him.
It's a shame he has so much time with the ones and is still a big gamble, but that's how I see it for KT.
I'm confident here that this is how it'll shake out-not certain and plenty of time left, but I feel like their plan is starting to show.
The RBs have lined up out wide many times. Sudfeld is still doing well and he looks like gold in the red zone. He's just too darn big with too soft hands. I think he might bug Gronk FF owners this year. Nonetheless, these two situations don't help the WR depth for FF purposes.
The FF value of some of these guys(in redraft at least) is very little. There's been precious few third WRs that have gained 1000 yards, nevermind fourth or fifths.
Boyce hasn't done consistently well-I strongly disagree on some of the characterizations here and have regularly posted articles within from very reputable sources. He does seem to have an athleticism that catches everyone's attention. He has had good days, just not consistently.
KT has been steady and has one bad day. Most importantly, he hasn't relinquished his spot with the ones.
I really strongly think Dobson is a starter week 1. The quotes, the articles, everything is really convincing me he's got one spot. (Again we are before games but I feel like he's penciled in)
Amendola is either opposite him or in the slot. When Amendola is in the slot, I think KT has earned it thus far, but Edelman could be given that spot.
Boyce seems to have learned three positions while the others haven't had to, also ST work has been far more than the others. He definitely had a larger learning curve.
I think it'll shake out as Boyce is the sub that can come into any spot and BB and McDaniels love him creating a matchup problem this way.
Edelman has always seemed brittle and thus far he hasn't changed that perception but he just got back. I think KT could start there or be all the way back as the fifth WR. I strongly feel it's Edelman or him.
It's a shame he has so much time with the ones and is still a big gamble, but that's how I see it for KT.
I'm confident here that this is how it'll shake out-not certain and plenty of time left, but I feel like their plan is starting to show.
The RBs have lined up out wide many times. Sudfeld is still doing well and he looks like gold in the red zone. He's just too darn big with too soft hands. I think he might bug Gronk FF owners this year. Nonetheless, these two situations don't help the WR depth for FF purposes.
The FF value of some of these guys(in redraft at least) is very little. There's been precious few third WRs that have gained 1000 yards, nevermind fourth or fifths.
ROYALWITCHEESE
Footballguy
Does already being 25 hurt Thompkins' chances? Help? Does it make sense that he picks things up a little quicker, since he's quite a bit older (in NFL terms), and has already had the experience of moving to new teams and learning new schemes? In essence, not your typical undrafted rookie.
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He played for several teams when he was younger and as I read it, it's because of his troubled past. I suppose it could be a benefit as you put it, makes sense. Most of all is his determination and accompanying effort. It seems like he shot himself in the foot and his career should be over, but he's got a chance here and he's giving it all he's got.
Brady and McDaniels complimented him on his football intelligence. The gist of it was that Brady has been in this offense "forever" and they've added wrinkles upon wrinkles to it. They want to offer these rookie WRs a stripped down version of the O, but they don't really want to have to widdle it down much so they went after more intelligent WRs during the offseason. From what I gather, they've been very accurate as even when some struggled they caught on shortly after.
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