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Even though he had a chance to shine with injuries to Danny Amendola and Rob Gronkowski, rookie receiver Aaron Dobson only served to frustrate Tom Brady in 2013. The offense for the New England Patriots will not look much different in 2014, and fantasy football players want to know if the 22-year-old receiver can become a favorite target for his legendary signal caller.
Positives:
A positive note for Dobson is that he had the third-most targets on the team. At 6-foot-3, 200 pounds, the young receiver is one of the biggest targets on the field next to Gronkowski, and he has a clear size advantage of Julian Edelman and Amendola. Dobson had one break-out game last season with 130 receiving yards and two touchdown catches. If he can stay consistent with his pass catching, Dobson has a great chance to lead the Patriots’ receivers if Amendola and Gronkowski are sidelined with injuries.
Negatives:
It is probably worse to be in Bill Belichick‘s dog house than Brady’s, but the veteran quarterback was visibly frustrated last season with Dobson and Kenbrell Thompkins. The young receiver also has heavy competition if Amendola and Gronkowski can stay healthy, and Edelman was able to prove himself as a dependable receiver to Brady in 2013. Dobson also struggles to create separation after he catches the ball, which will limit his fantasy value.
Final Verdict:
Dobson was a sleeper pick last season, and once again, he is popping up on sleeper lists. His competition is stiff, but it is unlikely that Amendola or Gronkowski will make it through an entire season. He will need to prove his value early to Brady and Belichick, but if he can, he could become a weekly starter for your fantasy football team.
Bye Week: 10
Projected Round: 12
Auction Value: $5(fftoolbox.com)
Jack Delaney is a fantasy football writer for www.Rantsports.com. You can follow him on Twitter @jackbmore13, “Like” him on Facebook, or add him to your network on Google.
