Who's Up Next for Patriots?

Well, if you haven't been sleeping under a rock you know that Aaron Hernandez has been arrested and charged with murder, or as I like to say, Hernandez has been Cunceled (phrase courtesy of KFC-@KFCBarstool). With Hernandez released and the possibility of Rob Gronkowski starting the season on PUP, the Patriots have to go to other options. My guess is they will go run-heavy with a strong stable of backs lining up behind Tom Brady. So here's a list of the Patriots best options with no Gronk or Hernandez:

Stevan Ridley

1. Running Backs
Putting this one as a collective group. The Patriots have their work-horse in Stevan Ridley, but he is being pressured by Shane Vereen for playing time. Behind them you have the bulls of the bunch in Brandon Bolden and LeGarrette Blount, two heavier backs with a lot of leg power and short yardage ability. I can also see Return Specialist Leon Washington working into the rotation, possibly sharing some snaps with projected 3rd down back Vereen. This looks to be a VERY promising group.

2. Julian Edelman, WR
Edelman is now the target with whom Brady has the longest track record, so the chemistry between the two is greater than any of the other options. He's a shifty receiver who can get open quick. Edelman has suffered some injury setbacks as of late, but he should be ready to go from the start of camp. He has an added bonus in that he can play special teams as well. If he can stay healthy, he can have a career year.

3. Danny Amendola, WR
Been waiting for this one? Amendola has been touted as Welker 2.0 from the get-go. Theres no denying the similarities that I won't get into here as they've been beaten into the ground already. The interesting similarities for Amendola happen to be with Edelman. Both play the slot, utilize speed and agility and are always compared to Welker. Amendola is 5'11" and 188 lbs. Edelman is 5'10" and 200 lbs. Starting to catch my drift?

Jake Ballard

4. Jake Ballard, TE
Many Pats fans may remember Ballard form his days with the Giants when they beat New England twice in one season, once for the Super Bowl. One thing I have noticed about Ballard is he has a similar build to Gronkowski: each is 6'6" and Ballard weighs 10 pounds more, 275 compared to Gronk's 265.We've seen that Ballard is more than capable of catching the ball, and also can take quite the hit, as seen two years ago when he was leveled by Brandon Spikes in Foxboro. He may not have the speed that Hernandez had to make the Boston TE Party the Thunder and Lightning attack we once saw, but when #87 returns, we may be seeing double with this duo on the field at the same time.

5. Rookie Receivers

Rookie Aaron Dobson

I am of course referring to Aaron Dobson and Josh Boyce, from Marshall and TCU respectively, who were both drafted this year by the Patriots. Boyce is more of a burner, running a 4.38 40-Yard Dash at the Combine, good enough for 4th among wideouts. He also did 22 reps on the bench, which gave him 2nd among receivers. He measures 5'11" and 203 lbs. Dobson was unable to participate at the Combine due to injury, but at his Pro Day he ran a 4.43 average 40 and did 16 reps on the bench. He measures 6'3" and 203 lbs. Each man is a physical specimen, and even though Dobson has been knocked for his small hands (9 inches), Pats fans need not worry about his ability to catch. This could be another dynamic tandem, especially in the future.

And finally...
6. Tim Tebow, Utility Man(?)











Couldn't keep a straight face typing that...

6. The Rest of the Bunch
More options include Tight Ends Daniel Fells and Michael Hoomanawanui, as well as veteran receivers Donald Jones and Michael Jenkins. Fells and Hooman are more blocking tight ends than the pass catching breed we have become accustomed to. Jenkins is the tallest receiver the Pats have on the roster heading into camp at 6'4". This makes him a good red-zone target. Jones has big play potential, which can be brought out with Tom Brady throwing to him rather than Ryan Fitzpatrick.

There you have it. Remember, it's still early and many more moves are yet to be made. The Hernandez release could potentially see Brandon Lloyd re-sign or possibly have the team sign David Thomas and/or Dallas Clark to fill the Hernandez role. Thomas is familiar with the Patriots system as he was drafted by the team in 2006. Each man has played with intelligent quarter backs as well (Thomas with Brady and Drew Brees, Clark with Peyton Manning). Any way you want to spin it, this season will  be an interesting one for New England.