kenbrell thompkins (1 Viewer)

[Bri]

I like this kid a lot, but it was the first drive of preseason.

He was in on it though and still producing.

Since back when they signed him, he keeps producing-making the most of every chance. Time and time again, this has to matter even if "just first game" minimizes it some.

I didn't get home in time to see the game.

I read what little I could already, there's still every indication he's a starter. There's gotta be a point for those that haven't drafted, that you think "he's ran with the ones long enough, I'm grabbing him before someone else does."

Suppose he does well in week two, you have your draft, and then he stinks during the remaining preseason games. Or maybe after week 3?

For many of us, we're going to have to make a call and grab him and can't wait til just before week 1.

I think if he does well in practice and then in week two, he deserves to go in the 2nd round.

I know this seems high, but I had my draft recently and ...at that point during the draft just before you pick when you do a quick scan of the news on a player...at that point "none" of the beloved rookie WRs were starting and guys like Coradelle were struggling to beat Simpson out. Late second, I think people will think KT is a starter I'm grabbing him. Most of the "names" are gone by then and I bet a starter entices them.

 

[eoMMan]

Hall of famer here. Write it down.

 

[skol asylum]

Just dropped DX in a dynasty for him. Wanted to IR DX but still not eligible? Whatever...poor guy I wonder if he will make it back...

 

[Faust]

Pats' undrafted rookie WR Kenbrell Thompkins a breakout candidate?

By Rob Rang | The Sports Xchange/CBSSports.com

Expected to play important roles for the Patriots as rookies, draft picks Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce have already earned plenty of "sleeper" attention from fantasy football enthusiasts.

It was undrafted wideout Kenbrell Thompkins, however, who stole the show in Friday's preseason opener against the Philadelphia Eagles.

The former Cincinnati Bearcat has earned rave reviews for his performance in training camp and caught four passes from Tom Brady on the Patriots' second drive.

Though his receptions only resulted in 23 total yards, it was the variety of routes Thompkins ran - and the quick, soft hands he showed - that could hint at the important role he'll play for the perennial Super Bowl contenders.

Thompkins' first catch came on a comeback in which Brady's pass was on him immediately. Thompkins secured the ball quickly and held on, taking a pop from Eagles' starting cornerback Bradley Fletcher. He also was used across the middle, absorbing a shot from linebacker DeMeco Ryans.

With the Patriots attempting to replace the production lost from Wes Welker, Aaron Hernandez, Brandon Lloyd, Deion Branch and Danny Woodhead in 2013, Thompkins could be in position for a lot of targets.

The 6-0, 195-pounder was a highly regarded junior college prospect in 2010 and originally planned to sign with Lane Kiffin at the University of Tennessee. When Kiffin left the Volunteers for Southern California, however, Thompkins signed with Cincinnati, where he caught 78 passes for 1,078 yards and four scores as a junior. With the Bearcats' offense focusing on the run in 2012, Thompkins' numbers tumbled (34-541-2). He also comes with significant off-field baggage.

Thompkins, 25, has reportedly been arrested seven times prior to his 20th birthday.

The fallout of the Hernandez situation makes Thompkins' checkered past an interesting story from a human interest perspective. If he can continue to earn Brady's trust in New England's dynamic offense, Thompkins could emerge as a legitimately relevant NFL (and perhaps fantasy) player, as well.

 

[Ilov80s]

This is still an offense that will spread the ball alot. The only two guys I really trust to get a lot of targets each week are Gronk and Ammendola. The real upside for this kid is the fact that those two are seemingly injury prone.

 

[GoodLloydHaveMercy]

Just saw on NFLN that both Kenbrell and Boyce seem to be ahead of Dobson at camp so far.

I just read on PFW that Dobson was way out in front and the best player in camp.

Crazy how people see the same thing but come away with completely opposite opinions.

http://www.patriots.com/news/article-1/Ask-PFW-Catching-up-with-camp-questions/0f645261-b841-4074-9c70-cc04c7f8ced1

From Twitter reports from the scrimmage today, I saw multiple tweets about those 2 looking better than Dobson, but it's only one scrimmage. This exactly why I like to gather all of these tweets and then judge them as a whole before jumping to any conclusions. I'd still expect that pre-season will play a big part in this rookie race.

Exactly... TIFWIW

TIFWIW??

Today I Farted Walking In Walmart??

I agree that these reports are kinda like farts in the wind... If there is enough of them it could mean they have substance behind them but its just as likely they just stink independently...

I am excited to see how players actually perform on the field... Is preseason too big for them or do they fit the part... It's not even really a stat game in the preseason more of an assignment thing and when they get an opportunity do they take advantage of it... Obviously it's near impossible to know their assignments exactly but u can tell for the most part whether they are getting swallowed up or not by the game

 

[Tackling Dummies]

Small takeaway--> limited PT last night can provide somewhat of a tell that he's not being looked at too much.

 

[loose circuits]

Small takeaway--> limited PT last night can provide somewhat of a tell that he's not being looked at too much.

Ben Volin ‏@BenVolin

31m
#Patriots WR snap counts last night (out of 72): Dobson 44, Boyce 32, Thompkins 31, Edelman 22, Aiken 19, Amendola 12, Sims 11, Haggerty 1

 

[Bri]

Small takeaway--> limited PT last night can provide somewhat of a tell that he's not being looked at too much.

Interesting....yeah I don't think I ever watched the total snaps for preseason. That does seem like something to pay attention to.

Should it be the whole game? Or Percent of snaps with the 1s?

Some preseasons it's seemed as if Brady barely played. I think he has to play (whatever a normal amount is) to work with all these new faces.

 

[MAC_32]

Limited pt may also indicate the pats like what they have seen and wants to keep it hidden from the rest of the league.

 

[kface]

Limited pt may also indicate the pats like what they have seen and wants to keep it hidden from the rest of the league.

Do you honestly believe that limited playing time for a rookie means that they are trying to hide him???? So you think the patriots think its a grand idea to give a guy like this no actual game time before they unleash him on the league? I have trouble believing that....

 

[Bayhawks]

Small takeaway--> limited PT last night can provide somewhat of a tell that he's not being looked at too much.

So that means they aren't looking at Amendola too much either?

If Thompkins had gotten limited reps with the 3rd (or even 2nd) string, I might see your point; but from what I understand, he got them with Brady & the 1s.

 

[UKColt]

Small takeaway--> limited PT last night can provide somewhat of a tell that he's not being looked at too much.

So that means they aren't looking at Amendola too much either?

If Thompkins had gotten limited reps with the 3rd (or even 2nd) string, I might see your point; but from what I understand, he got them with Brady & the 1s.

I think his point is that because he was getting limited reps with Brady and the 1s, they are clear on his ability.

They know he's good, so don't feel the need to give him as many snaps to show what he can do.

 

[identikit]

Small takeaway--> limited PT last night can provide somewhat of a tell that he's not being looked at too much.

So that means they aren't looking at Amendola too much either?

If Thompkins had gotten limited reps with the 3rd (or even 2nd) string, I might see your point; but from what I understand, he got them with Brady & the 1s.

I think his point is that because he was getting limited reps with Brady and the 1s, they are clear on his ability.

They know he's good, so don't feel the need to give him as many snaps to show what he can do.

This is how I'm seeing it as well.

 

[jtd13]

Limited pt may also indicate the pats like what they have seen and wants to keep it hidden from the rest of the league.

Do you honestly believe that limited playing time for a rookie means that they are trying to hide him???? So you think the patriots think its a grand idea to give a guy like this no actual game time before they unleash him on the league? I have trouble believing that....

It's not unprecedented. The Cardinals did that with Anquan his rookie year, and he went for 217 yards his first game after playing almost none in the preseason.

 

[identikit]

Interesting part at the end of this article:

As for the rookies, Thompkins's four catches for 23 yards led the way, but Dobson (two for 35 yards) and Sudfeld (one for 22) also produced. The early buzz on Thompkins seems well-placed. ESPNBoston.com noted Thompkins "redirected Boyce to the proper alignment after Boyce broke the huddle and went to the wrong side of the formation" on one play.

That, right there, is what Belichick and Brady melt over in a receiver. Thes newbies are off to a solid start.

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap1000000228787/article/patriots-young-wrs-see-heavy-workload-in-win?campaign=Twitter_atl_sessler

 

[MAC_32]

Limited pt may also indicate the pats like what they have seen and wants to keep it hidden from the rest of the league.

Do you honestly believe that limited playing time for a rookie means that they are trying to hide him???? So you think the patriots think its a grand idea to give a guy like this no actual game time before they unleash him on the league? I have trouble believing that....

See, victor cruz. Teams do it all the time. Not saying they are or they are not, just saying dismissing the idea is wrong.

 

[ODannyBoy]

I think the lower snap numbers for Thompkins are a good thing. I think his performance confirmed what the Pats think they have in him. Teams let vets rest and everything so far is indicating that Thompkins is unusually adapted to the pro game. The Pats may be pretty confident in his readiness already. That's a bit unusual, but not unheard of.

I suspect the greater numbers for Dobson and then Boyce are more in line with the Pats trying to figure out what they have and how it can be exploited.

 

[Kenny Powers]

Limited pt may also indicate the pats like what they have seen and wants to keep it hidden from the rest of the league.

Do you honestly believe that limited playing time for a rookie means that they are trying to hide him???? So you think the patriots think its a grand idea to give a guy like this no actual game time before they unleash him on the league? I have trouble believing that....

See, victor cruz. Teams do it all the time. Not saying they are or they are not, just saying dismissing the idea is wrong.

Cruz had 0 targets as a rookie and broke out in 2011 after Hixon, ahead of him on the depth chart, got hurt week 2. Giants werent trying to hide anything.

I see what youre saying, but I dont think Belichick was trying to hide anything here. KT started the game with Brady, and got 4 catches on the only drive Brady passed the ball.

 

[MAC_32]

Cruz was put on ir 2010 for minor injury in preseason. Giants knew they had something, also knew they had no room for him in 2010. Circumstances are different to be sure, but this is semantics. Coaches hide players all the time if they think it gives them a tactical advantage.

 

[saintfool]

Limited pt may also indicate the pats like what they have seen and wants to keep it hidden from the rest of the league.

Do you honestly believe that limited playing time for a rookie means that they are trying to hide him???? So you think the patriots think its a grand idea to give a guy like this no actual game time before they unleash him on the league? I have trouble believing that....

It's not unprecedented. The Cardinals did that with Anquan his rookie year, and he went for 217 yards his first game after playing almost none in the preseason.

To be fair, Boldin was a R2 rookie pick and, c'mon, there was no one else to catch the ball on that squad.

 

[PatsWillWin]

The Patriot first team offense (i.e. any package with Brady) played 16 snaps. Amendola played 12 of those, Dobson and Thompkins both played 8. I would not call that "limited" at all. FWIW, Boyce played 5 and Quentin Simms played 1. The numbers are only this low because the Patriots were also rotating four different tight ends, and went with several big formations because they ran a lot (including the entire first drive).

So Dobson and Thompkins got plenty of time with Brady, and played well into the game with the backups. As did Ridley and Vereen. The only WR that really came out of the game with Brady was Amendola, who was essentially replaced by Edelman.

Point being is I don't think this "limited snaps" premise has any merit.

 

[jtd13]

Limited pt may also indicate the pats like what they have seen and wants to keep it hidden from the rest of the league.

Do you honestly believe that limited playing time for a rookie means that they are trying to hide him???? So you think the patriots think its a grand idea to give a guy like this no actual game time before they unleash him on the league? I have trouble believing that....

It's not unprecedented. The Cardinals did that with Anquan his rookie year, and he went for 217 yards his first game after playing almost none in the preseason.

To be fair, Boldin was a R2 rookie pick and, c'mon, there was no one else to catch the ball on that squad.

Well there was R1 pick Bryant Johnson. Not saying Thompkins will explode out the gate, just giving an example of a team not playing a guy in preseason so as to keep a competitive advantage.

 

[Tackling Dummies]

Thompkins, an undrafted rookie from Cincinnati, turned a lot of heads.

“My eyes were opened by Kenbrell Thompkins,” Mayock said.

“I was shocked by Thompkins, how he and Brady were already on the same page,” Jeremiah added. Thompkins had four catches for 23 yards from Brady in Friday night’s exhibition game, all on the Patriots’ second drive.

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2013/08/10/with-tom-brady-and-bill-belichick-patriots-will-find-way/Dz53IFdS2kYzYG6R6kimmL/story.html

 

[Bri]

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.

71st, as high as 16.

58th, as high as 16

 

[Bri]

Dobson still same prob

WR Aaron Dobson -- Need to go back and watch again before passing judgment on the second-round pick, but there was a drop and another play in the end zone where he seemed to lose track of the ball and failed to make a play on it. On fist view it appeared that Dobson struggled to create separation in the short area of the field and had some trouble getting off jams at the line of scrimmage.

KT

WR Kenbrell Thompkins – He looks way too polished to be an undrafted rookie. Thompkins finished with four catches for 23 yards, which won’t blow anyone away, but it appears that he has a great feel for the offense and is rapidly developing solid chemistry with Tom Brady. Some of his routes and the way he was used Friday night brought back memories of Aaron Hernandez. When I asked Thompkins about his role in the offense and his relationship with Brady, he replied by saying, “It’s football. We’re just out there playing football.” Against the Eagles, it looked that simple for him.

http://blog.masslive.com/patriots/2013/08/stock_watch_kenbrell_thompkins.html

 

[Bri]

Good long Boston Globe article(where TDs quote is from above)

http://www.bostonglobe.com/sports/2013/08/10/with-tom-brady-and-bill-belichick-patriots-will-find-way/Dz53IFdS2kYzYG6R6kimmL/story.html

 

[3 hour lunch]

Just took him and Woods at 2.05 and 2.06 (14 team league). I'm sure some will say that's ridiculous, but to me that's really the point where it starts to get sketchy for the rookies anyway. Plus I already have Dobson so it's kind of a semi-cuff. All I can do is go off of what I read and what I see; and to me he's worth a shot at that point.

 

[Shanahanigans]

He's skyrocketing up my rookie WR draft board. I currently have him at WR6, just behind Robert Woods and ahead of Wheaton. Another good preseason game, and I can easily see moving him to as high as WR4 in rookie drafts. At some point you have to throw out the draft position, and trust your eyes and the depth chart. I am less worried about his character concerns since it has been what 6+ years since his last arrest. Even the WR3-4 on the Pats could prove fantasy viable. Where there's smoke there's fire, and everyone seems to love this kid.

 

[Hoss Style]

He's skyrocketing up my rookie WR draft board. I currently have him at WR6, just behind Robert Woods and ahead of Wheaton. Another good preseason game, and I can easily see moving him to as high as WR4 in rookie drafts. At some point you have to throw out the draft position, and trust your eyes and the depth chart. I am less worried about his character concerns since it has been what 6+ years since his last arrest. Even the WR3-4 on the Pats could prove fantasy viable. Where there's smoke there's fire, and everyone seems to love this kid.

6+ years since his last arrest? That's a called a "high character" guy on the Patriots.

... Sorry, I couldn't resist.

 

[Papa John's]

He's skyrocketing up my rookie WR draft board. I currently have him at WR6, just behind Robert Woods and ahead of Wheaton. Another good preseason game, and I can easily see moving him to as high as WR4 in rookie drafts. At some point you have to throw out the draft position, and trust your eyes and the depth chart. I am less worried about his character concerns since it has been what 6+ years since his last arrest. Even the WR3-4 on the Pats could prove fantasy viable. Where there's smoke there's fire, and everyone seems to love this kid.

Ahead of Wheaton? The hype train is way out of control on this guy, and I've been trying to grab him in my dynasty league. This is getting crazy though IMHO.

 

[Shanahanigans]

He's skyrocketing up my rookie WR draft board. I currently have him at WR6, just behind Robert Woods and ahead of Wheaton. Another good preseason game, and I can easily see moving him to as high as WR4 in rookie drafts. At some point you have to throw out the draft position, and trust your eyes and the depth chart. I am less worried about his character concerns since it has been what 6+ years since his last arrest. Even the WR3-4 on the Pats could prove fantasy viable. Where there's smoke there's fire, and everyone seems to love this kid.

Ahead of Wheaton? The hype train is way out of control on this guy, and I've been trying to grab him in my dynasty league. This is getting crazy though IMHO.

This was a tough one, but I think Thompkins' size and situation give him the edge on Wheaton. As of now I have Hunter, Woods, Thompkins, and Wheaton all rated very close to each other. My team is in a win now mode, so skews my perspective a little bit. I don't see Wheaton as a likely contributor this year without an injury.

From the look of it, Thompkins may get his opportunity as early as week 1. I am really just ranking the top rookie Patriot WR at WR6. As of now it looks like Thompkins has the inside track, but if Dobson or Boyce comes in and takes that spot, I would rank them just ahead of Wheaton.

 

[EBF]

I don't want to dog the guy because he has done well and should definitely be taken seriously as a contender for this year's Colston/Foster/Morris "out of nowhere" pick.

Putting that aside, he's a 25 year old rookie. Being older probably gives him an immediate edge because he's further along in his physical and mental maturity than the other rookies. That could help explain his early success. It also means that you're looking at a shorter window of utility if he pans out. That won't affect his trade value any time soon. If he has a breakout season, people will go bonkers for him regardless. However, it could factor into your decision as a tiebreaker if you're trying to weigh his value against another WR prospect like Randle, who's actually three years younger despite being in the league for one year more.

 

[ChainsawU]

PSA: If there are any younger fantasy footballers out there in dynasty leagues, don't listen to what these guys are saying about drafting Thompkins over Wheaton.

 

[Papa John's]

He's skyrocketing up my rookie WR draft board. I currently have him at WR6, just behind Robert Woods and ahead of Wheaton. Another good preseason game, and I can easily see moving him to as high as WR4 in rookie drafts. At some point you have to throw out the draft position, and trust your eyes and the depth chart. I am less worried about his character concerns since it has been what 6+ years since his last arrest. Even the WR3-4 on the Pats could prove fantasy viable. Where there's smoke there's fire, and everyone seems to love this kid.

Ahead of Wheaton? The hype train is way out of control on this guy, and I've been trying to grab him in my dynasty league. This is getting crazy though IMHO.

This was a tough one, but I think Thompkins' size and situation give him the edge on Wheaton. As of now I have Hunter, Woods, Thompkins, and Wheaton all rated very close to each other. My team is in a win now mode, so skews my perspective a little bit. I don't see Wheaton as a likely contributor this year without an injury.

From the look of it, Thompkins may get his opportunity as early as week 1. I am really just ranking the top rookie Patriot WR at WR6. As of now it looks like Thompkins has the inside track, but if Dobson or Boyce comes in and takes that spot, I would rank them just ahead of Wheaton.

I understand what you are saying, but short term or long term, I just don't agree.

I think that Wheaton will be starting by (the latest) mid-season. This is due to both his talent and fact that Sanders has never been able to stay healthy. I think Wheaton is very good, and too many people are missing the boat on how good he is going to be, shortly, in the NFL.

 

[ODannyBoy]

He's skyrocketing up my rookie WR draft board. I currently have him at WR6, just behind Robert Woods and ahead of Wheaton. Another good preseason game, and I can easily see moving him to as high as WR4 in rookie drafts. At some point you have to throw out the draft position, and trust your eyes and the depth chart. I am less worried about his character concerns since it has been what 6+ years since his last arrest. Even the WR3-4 on the Pats could prove fantasy viable. Where there's smoke there's fire, and everyone seems to love this kid.

I can see doing that.

There are hints that he has a complete skill set and can therefore play both outside and inside. At some point you get into the rookies that really only project as slot guys. For my money, I'd rather roll the dice on a guy that may bust but that has versatility instead of a guy that I am pretty sure will be limited to slot duty in his team's scheme.

 

[Pwingles]

Kenbrell Thompkins sounds like a bad made-up schoolyard name.

"Yeah whatever, Kenbrell Thompkins."

Lol

 

[Bri]

‘he looks like Ochocinco, except with talent.’

http://boston.cbslocal.com/2013/08/12/gresh-zo-kenbrell-thompkins-impressive-in-preseason-debut-patriots/

 

[Kenny Powers]

Kenbrell Thompkins sounds like a bad made-up schoolyard name.

"Yeah whatever, Kenbrell Thompkins."

Lol

Yeah, that post deserved more love. Every time Ive opened this thread the last few days Ive thought of that and laughed

 

[BC3]

Anybody selling high on Kenbrell in dynasty? What kind of offers are you seeing?

 

[KarmaPolice]

Anybody selling high on Kenbrell in dynasty? What kind of offers are you seeing?

How do you sell high on a rookie who hasn't played a game?

 

[BC3]

Anybody selling high on Kenbrell in dynasty? What kind of offers are you seeing?

How do you sell high on a rookie who hasn't played a game?

well because I drafted him late in the 4th round of a 32 team IDP salary draft. If we drafted today he would probably go in late 1st or early 2nd. I would call that selling while his value is high or inflated... Right?

 

[Hoss Style]

Anybody selling high on Kenbrell in dynasty? What kind of offers are you seeing?

How do you sell high on a rookie who hasn't played a game?

In Dynasty/Keeper? It's extremely easy. Happens all the time if you have a really early draft like many do (talking first week of preseason or earlier).

 

[Mainevent]

Anybody selling high on Kenbrell in dynasty? What kind of offers are you seeing?

I tried to buy in on him...

Offered 2nd round pick (2.01 - 2.03 probably, 2014) and L. Dunbar.

It was turned down.

Not sure I'd go any higher than that at this point.

Owner was looking for a future 1st round pick to move him - pretty steep.

 

[Illegal Pants Downfield]

Upthread (last week) a guy traded Thompkins away for a 3rd round pick.

 

[ponchsox]

Thompkins will be an ideal sell high candidate after his first big game. Brady will spread the ball around in this offense with Amendola catching the most balls.

It could be Thompkins, Boyce, or Dobson that emerges. Who knows.

 

[Illegal Pants Downfield]

I tried to buy in on him...

Offered 2nd round pick (2.01 - 2.03 probably, 2014) and L. Dunbar.

It was turned down.

Not sure I'd go any higher than that at this point.

Owner was looking for a future 1st round pick to move him - pretty steep.

I'd say a 2nd rounder is about where the buyer's threshold is going to be, based on the unknowns of a UDFA; the seller's threshold is probably higher than that (due to assumed ownership optimism). So I'd guess you won't see him involved in many trades just yet...

 

[Bri]

"Kenbrell Thompkins, I like this kid a lot, undrafted Cincinnati-product has had a better camp than anyone expected and is clearly one of New England's most reliable receivers," Paoletti said. "So far he sits behind just Danny Amendola and fellow rookie Aaron Dobson on the depth chart, I know it's too early to say what anybody's roles going to be, but Thompkins, I think he looks like a candidate to maybe play a Brandon Lloyd-type role."

http://www.csnne.com/new-england-patriots/quick-notes-kenbrell-thompkins-turning-heads-0

 

[Bri]

Mike, is Kenbrell Thompkins filling the role the Patriots were envisioning for Emmanuel Sanders? Wasn't Sanders touted as a WR who could line up in different positions and run a bunch of different routes? That seems to be the way the Patriots were using Thompkins in his limited action on Friday. And will Thompkins be competing with more directly with Edelman or Boyce for playing time? -- Alex (Oxford, England)

A. Alex, Thompkins (6-foot-1, 195) seems like a different receiver to me than Sanders (5-11, 180). Thompkins strikes me more as a tactician who wins with good technique and polished routes; he's not as much of a quick-twitch receiver as Sanders. But while there are those differences, Thompkins still fills a role as a smart, versatile receiver with good hands who can line up in multiple spots, which is probably part of how the Patriots, for the most part, viewed Sanders. As for Thompkins competing for playing time, I think the one given with the overall receiving corps is that Danny Amendola will be on the field for most of the snaps. Then I think we'll see any combination of Thompkins,Aaron Dobson, Josh Boyce and Julian Edelman in the 2-5 spots depending on the specific matchup that week. Forced to pick one, I'd say Thompkins is the No. 3.

Q. Hi Mike, I'm very impressed with the rapid development of Thompkins. The detail and adjustments of his route running is like watching Deion Branch 10 years ago. One thing I don't hear enough is the attitude of a player that helps him to take his talent to near the limit and be "hungry" for more. Your thoughts? -- Memo (Mexico)

A. Memo, Thompkins deserves the praise for coming to spring camp ready to work. That's really where this all started. He was a long shot who had received just $5,000 in guaranteed money in his contract, which reflected how he was anything but a sure bet to earn a roster spot. His approach in the spring, coupled with some initial struggles from Aaron Dobson, opened a door for him and he didn't just walk through it -- he kicked the door in. Neat story. And even better for the Patriots, Dobson turned things around after a less-than-smooth beginning in the spring and has made himself more into a factor in training camp.

http://espn.go.com/boston/story/_/page/reissmailbagweek0813/new-england-patriots-mailbag-mixed-reaction-tebow

 

[EBF]

A. Alex, Thompkins (6-foot-1, 195) seems like a different receiver to me than Sanders (5-11, 180). Thompkins strikes me more as a tactician who wins with good technique and polished routes; he's not as much of a quick-twitch receiver as Sanders.

I don't know if that's actually a compliment. One of my suspicions with Thompkins is that he might just be an early peaker with a modest upside. He lacks special traits as an athlete. Decent speed, good three cone time, and solid broad jump. There's some explosiveness there, but he's lacking the height of Dobson or the all-around freaky athleticism of Boyce. He's very light for his height too. Everyone is getting excited about him because he appears to be in line for immediate playing time, but that's only the first step towards FF viability. Kevin Walter and Josh Morgan are solid NFL players, but they're useless in FF because they don't bring anything dynamic to the table. I could see this guy topping out like Keary Colbert with a decent immediate splash followed by a lack of significant development.

I've got the first pick in a split rookie draft (first three rounds were in May, final three rounds are this month) and I'd love to pawn him off for a future 2nd rounder.