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What the team lacked last year was someone who could run short-to-intermediate routes outside the numbers. If LaFell is able to grasp the offense and win a job, he should add that dynamic to the offense.
https://www.patspropaganda.com/what-the-team-lacked-last-year-was-someone-who/
[LaFell] aligned in various spots in the game, and was often used in motion. He played on the outside in two-receiver sets, although the Panthers often had two receivers to the same side, and in those cases, LaFell would usually be aligned as the inside receiver. In the three-receiver set, he would mostly be in the slot as the Panthers seemed to want the speed of Steve Smith and Ted Ginn outside. LaFell showed good hands (e.g. tough sideline catch for a first down), precise route-running (e.g. 9-yard slant for a touchdown against Logan Ryan) and strength as a blocker (e.g. he leveled defensive end Andre Carter on one play). LaFell doesn’t wow with speed and might be summed up best this way – a solid-not-spectacular receiver with good size (6-2, 210) and versatility. He also boasts potential as a red zone target, and he’s been durable in his four years in the NFL (just four games missed).
https://www.patspropaganda.com/lafell-aligned-in-various-spots-in-the-game-and/
The Patriots added another receiver Saturday after Julian Edelman, locking up Brandon LaFell to a three-year deal.
After a hot streak seems like there are plenty of Pats fans lukewarm on this signing, but I just see it as business as usual. Another mid-range vet who will be given a chance to compete. Sometimes those players actually are just JAGs, other times they turn into Ninkovich.
You can never tell who will blossom under elite coaching and elite quarterback play. But LaFell has good size and has improved in each of his four seasons.
It’s about competition and depth. How will it turn out? We’ll find out in August.