Patriots Sleeper Heaven

FauxFootballBlog.com
By Tom McAleese (@McAleeseFFA)

Things are going to be quite different in New England this year. Four of the five leading receivers from last year are no longer on the team, with the fifth, Gronkowski, possibly starting the season on the PUP, and wouldn't be available till mid-October. That's 82% of Tom Brady's passing yards not on the field for week one.

There has been much speculation as to who will be the new favorite receiver in the Patriots offense. Every week it's someone new, causing a very murky situation, just the way the Patriots like it. Keep 'em guessing.

For fantasy owners it creates a perfect situation to hit the jackpot on a sleeper. But who will it be? (Amendola is not included because he's the only clear-cut starting wide receiver, and will be drafted early)

Kenbrell Thompkins - Thompkins is the hottest name in Sleeperville right now. He looked good in his first preseason game running with the first team offense, and has continued to run with them all week in practice, and has been impressive. He's currently listed as the starting WR opposite Amendola, and with Amendola's injury history he could very easily become the starting WR in no time. If all things pan out for Thompkins a top ten season is not out of the question.

Shane Vereen - The hype around Vereen has been consistent all offseason, especially in PPR circles. With only eight receptions last year he figures to be used heavily in the passing game, and running the routes Hernandez used to run. All things point to Vereen having a breakout season with Darren Sproles type numbers. He will be used all over the field in hopes of creating mismatches, and as Brady's dump down receiver, the role Danny Woodhead vacated.

Aaron Dobson - Dobson was last weeks hot name in Patriots camp, then he only caught two passes, and was used as the fourth receiver when the starters were on the field. I personally don't read much into that. Sure, Thompkins may be getting all the attention right now, but remember this is Belichick we're talking about, do you really think he's going to show any part of his offense in the first preseason game? Dobson has gained the confidence of Tom Brady, and that alone will make it hard to keep him off the field.

Zach Sudfeld - Sudefeld has been playing in Gronkowski's place so far this preseason, and has really stood out. At 6 foot 7 inches tall he's a perfect redzone target for Brady. Injury concerns in college left him undrafted out of Nevada, even though he was rated as the top blocker at tight end in the draft. Jake Ballard was originally thought to be Gronk's replacement, but the play of Sudfeld in camp has pushed him to the top of the depth chart. Even when Gronk comes back, Sudfeld may have won over the coaching staff enough to continue to include him in the offense. If Gronk misses time Sudfeld could help you win some early season games.

Julian Edelman - Edelman, much like Amendola, is cut from the Wes Welker mold as a small, speedy underneath receiver, but cant stay healthy. If he can find a way to outlast Amendola and stay healthy, he could be a viable fantasy option. He has been with team longer than any other receiver and has a better knowledge of the offense that may have him more involved early on than rookies Dobson, Boyce, and Thompkins.

Josh Boyce - Boyce is the one guy no one is talking about, even though he has ran with the first team offense in recent practices. One of these rookie receivers will have to step up, and Boyce has just as good of a chance as Thompkins, or Dobson. He will most likely go undrafted in most leagues, unless he completely blows up the rest of preseason, but he's still one to keep an eye.