LaFell Undervalued? (1 Viewer)

[az_prof]

LaFell signed for three years and 11 M in NE. Rotoworld says that he won't be better than the third WR in NE, but is that really true? That seems like a lot of money for a fourth or fifth WR. If it is Edelman and LaFell on the outside and Amendola in that slot, wouldn't that make LaFell a pretty good fantasy WR in 2014?

(Rotoworld) Patriots signed WR Brandon LaFell to a three-year, $11 million contract. Analysis: LaFell will give the Patriots another receiver to compete with Aaron Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins. A disappointing four-year player, LaFell posted 49 catches, 627 yards, and five touchdowns with Carolina last season. LaFell won't be higher than the No. 3 wideout in New England and will struggle for consistent snaps. The Panthers have now lost their top-four receivers to free agency and currently have Tavarres King and Marvin McNutt atop their depth chart.

 

[Baloney Sandwich]

3 years, 11M doesn't mean much until you know the amount of guaranteed money.

 

[Coeur de Lion]

It's not that much $$$ -- although I'd guess LaFell will absolutely be "starting" next year, as he's a great run blocker for a WR. The passing game in NE will still likely be funneled through the slot, TEs, and RBs, so I don't see LaFell as super exciting for FF.

 

[jurb26]

I like LaFell but I have no idea what his involvement in NE will be or what the current street value is on him. So, I have no idea if he's underrated or not.

 

[FreeBaGeL]

How many years have we been doing this with NE since Moss left now?

Stallworth, Lloyd, Ocho Cinco, etc. I think all of those guys were more exciting going in than LaFell is and none of them were really any better than a WR3 for fantasy purposes.

 

[cstu]

 

[Louche]

I expect Dobson to have a prominent role. He was pretty heavily featured pre injury and flashed WR1 potential with his size and catch radius.

 

[False Start]

 

[Anarchy99]

I see LaFell as, at best, the 5th best receiving option after Gronk, Edelman, Amendola, and Vereen. He could easily slide past Dobson. He could also not even make the team. The Patriots could still add other guys, so at this point it is really tought to have a handle on what to expect. We will know more once we see how much NE gave him to sign and what amount is guaranteed. They seem to have 8-9 receivers to start camp with each year and then shed several name guys by the time the season starts.

 

[MoveToSkypager]

Maybe OP meant overvalues. Lafell might be unemployed week 1.

 

[ShaHBucks]

The Jaquizz Rogers of wide receivers.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

If it is Edelman and LaFell on the outside and Amendola in that slot, wouldn't that make LaFell a pretty good fantasy WR in 2014?

I'm sure not vouching for it or calling for it, but does LaFell get used as the no. 1 NE wideout again today?

It's hard to understand what is going on with the NE passing game these days. Amendola doesn't have a catch since week 1. Dobson benched. KT gone. Edelman getting a ton of balls, but only short. Little Vereen. Wright acquired but unused. Gronk limited. Last week relied on LaFell of all WRs.

 

[Kiddnets]

Still out there on WW - like what I saw in garbage time but the game was over in essence so who knows - worth a shot

 

[Hu-Tang Clan]

He's getting a lot of snaps now and seems to be carving out a decent position for himself. Can he be trusted?

 

[Vicktimized]

I dunno if he can be trusted, but I'm adding him everywhere. He's got more upside than most "retread" flash in the pan types because:

1. Going from Newton to a pocket passer in Flacco raised Steve Smith's value considerably. LaFell won't be Smith, obviously, but "he was inefficient there last year so he'll revert soon" may not apply.

2. LaFell's actually played well in CAR before. Last year he was garbage, but so was Smith; prior to last season, LaFell actually ranked pretty nicely in yards per target. A Newton secondary receiver likely to struggle to put up counting stats. He's more likely than a pocket guy to take off and run than move to his third read.

3. LaFell's proving a big downfield threat, but he's also just 'big'. Gronk is and will be king in the redzone, but I have to think Brady's looking to this guy next. With Ridley down, we'll probably see a little more passing down there as well.

 

[Run It Up]

Lafell is proving me wrong, which I love to see. I was convinced he was just another idiot with bad hands, which he might be, but hes looked good the last couple games.

 

[Area51Inhabitant]

I still think he's fools gold in this offense. Feels like classic points chasing.

 

[nastynate]

I still think he's fools gold in this offense. Feels like classic points chasing.

I'm not sure. As we've seen with Steve smith, Cam isn't exactly wr friendly.

Also, there's history of solid NE WRs, unlike their RB position.

I'm tentatively a buyer...

 

[Vicktimized]

I still think he's fools gold in this offense. Feels like classic points chasing.

Maybe, but can't hurt to roster him and see if he keeps his roll going.

 

[rjv]

This guy has stone hands. Don't get fooled. he will go back to being LaFell of the Panthers in no time. My hunch is Tyms will be the guy sooner than later.