Honestly don’t know what happens with Edelman, but let’s take an optimists approach.
Dobson develops at X and becomes an every down WR on the outside. Edelman is the primary Z, with Amendola working in behind him and in three wide receiver sets.
Keep an eye out for Mark Harrison as well in a Hernandez-esque role at F or even at X behind Dobson.
Thompkins is then the utility back-up WR, though I have a tough time getting a read on him. He and Boyce could be battling for a spot in training camp.
If Edelman walks, you slip Amendola into the primary Z role. From a value standpoint this is probably the better scenario. And it would allow them to allocate some money on a third WR option in FA who could play significant snaps.
Dobson’s development is one of the biggest stories of the offseason that no one will be able to monitor until training camp. But if I was him I’d be attached to Brady’s hip from now until July.
Who knows what happens at TE. Of course you want Gronk back and Gronk needs a healthy year or it could be his last in NE. They just need a better threat than Hooman. That should be the easiest offseason personnel move to make, though I think Hooman is good insurance to bring back.
When people talk about ‘adding weapons’ tight end is the first place to start. Someone who can threaten the seam until Gronk can is paramount and will open up a lot for the rest of the offense.
Unless they really were disappointed with Dobson and don’t see futures with Boyce/Thompkins, I doubt there’s a big splash FA signing at WR. Wouldn’t rule anything out in the draft though, especially if a unique talent fell.
