The New England Patriots are traditionally very quiet as to who they are targeting in the draft each year. Normally the team keeps their player visits quiet, but this year they have been more open, causing a swirl of various rumors. After visits by Johnny Manziel and Teddy Bridgewater brought into question the longevity of Tom Brady, a flurry of wide receiver visits is questioning the future of Danny Amendola.
So far in the pre-draft process, the New England Patriots have looked mainly at wide receivers. They have brought in a flurry of quarterbacks ranging from first-round options to a late-round Zach Mettenberger, but a bulk of the workouts have consisted of receivers. The Patriots new this would be a priority in the offseason given the lack of depth and productivity they had last season. Tom Brady can only do so much.
Julian Edelman has been re-sign after leading the group last year. Brandon LaFell has joined on as well to pair with Aaron Dobson, Kenbrell Thompkins and Danny Amendola. However, that is not enough for the team. The Patriots first worked out Florida State star Kelvin Benjamin and NFL.com reports Bill Belichick was impressed. Next, the team is looking at LSU star Jarvis Landry and Virginia Tech wide receiver D.J. Coles. A visit with Marqise Lee is also expected.
NESN.com reports the Patriots are looking more and more likely to draft a wide receiver in the first round. After several free agent signings in secondary, New England is going to grab another top offensive target to work with. With Rob Gronkowski's heath still having a big question mark and Aaron Hernandez not returning, the Patriots cannot afford to pass up on a top player. However, will the addition of a rookie come with the release of a veteran?
Amendola's 2013 season was forgettable. The wide receiver struggled with health the entire season and still may have to undergo surgery at some point for a groin issue. His chemistry with Brady clearly struggled as a result and he failed to live up to the contract he signed in the offseason. Amendola has been facing trade rumors ever since. If the Patriots grab a rookie in the first round, moving on from Amendola cannot be ruled out. Financially, the move does not really make sense, but Belichick and company are ready for another Super Bowl and right now Amendola is not helping in the effort.
