New England Patriots News: Should Team Cut Aaron Dobson, Promote Josh Boyce or Brian Tyms?
Last year, the New England Patriots selected wide receiver Aaron Dobson with their second overall draft pick.
His rookie season was average. Dobson caught 37 balls for 519 yards and had five touchdowns. Obviously not an elite season, but still not bad for a rookie receiver. Unfortunately, injuries and poor performance have brought upon a lot of doubt among Patriots fans.
This season, Dobson has just three catches for 38 yards in four games.
Dobson underwent offseason foot surgery and has been inactive for much of the regular season. Not only has Dobson been inactive because of injuries, but it appears as if he isn't performing very well in practice. According to multiple reports, Dobson was benched earlier in the season by head coach Bill Belichick for arguing with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
When on the field, Dobson simply hasn't performed up the standards most NFL experts thought he was capable of. Despite having 24 receiving touchdowns and three 650-yard seasons at Marshall, it just hasn't translated into the National Football League like many predicted.
Belichick has made a lot of good decisions in his career, but drafting wide receivers appears to be his biggest weakness as a general manager.
With Dobson struggling to stay healthy, learn the playbook or even get on the field, it would probably be best to release him at this point. The trade deadline is gone, and the reality of getting any value for Dobson just isn't going to happen. All teams have to keep a strict 53-man roster, and with Dobson not contributing anything to the team, releasing him and promoting someone else would be wise at this juncture.
Quarterback Tom Brady needs someone to throw to. Of course, Robert Gronkowski is an elite tight end when healthy, and Brandon LaFell is playing great. But the playoffs are almost here. Gronkowski is injury-prone, and Julian Edelman is no deep threat.
Wide receiver Josh Boyce is still on the Patriots practice squad. Is Boyce an elite player? Of course not, but the Patriots did draft him last season in the fourth round. Belichick may want to give him some playing time this December, as he has yet to play a single game this season. Boyce had a great college career at Texas Christian University.
If Boyce is not showing any signs of improvement, the Patriots may want to consider giving Brian Tyms more playing time. Tyms is presently part of the Patriots 53-man roster, but he hasn't played much this season. Tyms has started just one game this year and played in seven. Tyms is a tall and fast wide receiver who is capable of catching deep ball passes. Tyms has just one catch this season for 43 yards, which resulted in a touchdown against the Buffalo Bills in Week 6.
Although Tyms provides a large frame and quality speed, he doesn't have the best catching abilities.
The Patriots may even want to consider signing a free agent to add to their defense. The Patriots defense ranks 19th overall and 23rd against the pass. Injuries to Chandler Jones and Jerod Mayo have taken their toll. Releasing Dobson and opening up a spot for a linebacker or another defensive player could be beneficial.
The Patriots will play the San Diego Chargers on Sunday Night Football in their next game.
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