It’s not just the pick, though – it’s the fact that you have to sign him also. This makes Sanders a much more expensive option than drafting a WR in the third round. Hence, not a “no brainer” at all. I understand they haven’t had much luck drafting WR’s in the past, but don’t forget that Sanders isn’t a proven commodity in NE either, as he’s never received passes from #12 before.

it usually takes a WR 2-3yrs to develop (outside of the superstars). Sanders is right at that point, he is well worth a 3rd rd pick. I know we have Tom Brady and allstar TEs, but we cant start the year with just Amendonal and Jones.
Lloyd was not what we expected, but i would still take him back on a 1.5m – 2m contract

What about the two guys they have on practice squad – Aiken and Holmes. Any chance there?

Sanders will help,but we need more than just him…We need two size and speed guys who can create separation,and make plays on the outside(fade routes,9 route etc…)…Guys who can beat press coverage off the line of scrimmage,and guys that can sell routes…..I would look STRONGLY at grabbing Laurent Robinson and Danario Alexander,as well as drafting a guy or two…Emmanuel Sanders can create separation,but he’s not a traditional x or Y receiver…..NO LLOYD,NO EDELMAN,NO BRANCH!!! I wouldn’t have and issue resigning Edelman if we didn’t sign Donald Jones and Amendola….Believe it or not,i’d even be interested in giving Randy moss a one year deal at 1 million as a fourth or fifth receiver,in case one of the receivers we draft won’t be ready….We can put that drafted receiver on the practice squad….OUtside route runners,and downfield speed!!!!

I say that to say that I would like Emmanuel Sanders in addition to what I was asking for…If we could go into the season with a combo of Amendola,Sanders,Laurent Robinson,Randy Moss,Donald Jones and Stedman Bailey(steve smith clone out of UVW 25 tds last year,should go third or fourth round),I’d be ecstatic!!! AS long as we can get at least three guys who can get downfield and actually make a play,It will make Brady,Gronk and Hernandez even more deadly than they already are…I badly wish Tavon Austin would make it til our #29 pick,but its wishful thinking..

There’s 6 or more guys better right now than Sanders in the draft…Although letting go of a third round pick as comp for Sanders is a no brainer….I would say that Cordarelle Patterson,Tavon Austin,kEEnan Allen,Robert Woods,Quinton Patton,Justin Hunter and Stedman Bailey are all guys who could come in and produce right away…Not sure Sanders has done enough to warrant a starting receiver position,but I’d still give up a third rounder for him…

Very good point!!! Which is why I like guys like Patterson and Bailey..

Need Sanders ,or give heyward bay a shot inactive deal might be good fit they need someone with skills

Ya all those guys could come in an produce but only a couple of them could actually have anuff success in there rookie year to be starters and play every sunday.

I think the pats should get josh cribbs and try to get a wide receiver in the draft. They should get tavon Austin if he’s their

Should be interesting to see how this rounds into form. I am sure there will be a lot of movement in the next few weeks. While Sanders has been compared to a young Deion Branch, I don’t think we’ll see much movement there unless the Patriots find a way to get another pick in this year’s draft. As for Lloyd, my guess is he will be back on short money. Darrius Heyward-Bey is another name I have heard and would not be surprised if they take a look at when all is said and done. I would also think that they may bring in somebody they kick the tires on, like Stallworth (as was mentioned)….even Gaffney as well, though I believe he will have to serve a suspension for a few games

if he is their what?

Re-sign Julian and draft a guy in the first or second round to play WR1 (Patterson probably won’t be available at #29, but Hopkins or Allen might.) I’d be content to start the season with the new guy + Amendola, Jones, and Edelman. Better than shelling out huge bucks for Sanders.

this espn article has been edited(homerized)and does not mention the unfortunate(lol) third surgery gronk had on his fractured arm…LoL

“dialing it back” usually turns out to be a bad idea. The more you play not to get hurt the better the chances of being hurt. Let the kid play the way he wants and enjoy the ride there Mr. Wizard

“…said Gronkowski, who has undergone three surgeries on his arm.”

Second paragraph.

yeah, ok, sure. He’ll play the way he wants. Let’s just assume the pats will at least win a playoff game or two this year. I would be very confident to put hard money on the guy getting hurt before and being a non factor if he plays at all. just sayin’. I know that’s football but just a damn shame the most potent offensive weapon isn’t healthy when you need him most. this guy gets u in the red zone.