Yet Another Wide Receiver Thread

The Patriots have a couple of guys they have to think about re-signing:

David Patten (http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/1790)

David Givens (http://www.nfl.com/players/playerpage/302029) (I think he's a restricted free agent actually)

Anyway, you guys think we should go after either of these two?

Its so hard to say, because we dont really know how effecitve Coles can be w/ his toe anymore; so I'm thinking more of a big play guy. Patten has been around a while, and is a good, but over all and average reciver. Givens however, when you look at his numbers, you see nothing but improvement; so if I had to take one of the two guys, I'd say Givens.

It's hard to tell what these guys could do in an expanded role. The way the Patriots do it now is a WR by committee approach as each guy kinda rotates being the go to guy.

As I was watching the game last night I was wondering what Branch would be like as a true #2.

I'm not personally for them. I would rather keep Gardner or give McCants/Jacobs an expanded role than taking one of these two (who would also probably look for a contract.)

Can't say I'm big on Givens or Patten either. Patten is a pretty average receiver (as mentioned earlier) and although Givens is fairly effective around the goal line, we already get that same quality from Gardner (who I still think we should trade) and McCants (who is under-utilized).
I know it's off the topic, but I think we would do well to use also Rock Cartwright in short yardage and goal line situations. He was very good in that role under Spurrier, and while he doesn't have Portis's all around skills and big play ability, he is stockier, tougher, and harder to see when running for hard-earned yards between the tackles. Curious about what others think on the subject.

I would think that Betts is a better goalline guy than Cartwright.

I know it's off the topic, but I think we would do well to use also Rock Cartwright in short yardage and goal line situations. He was very good in that role under Spurrier, and while he doesn't have Portis's all around skills and big play ability, he is stockier, tougher, and harder to see when running for hard-earned yards between the tackles. Curious about what others think on the subject.

This is worthy of another thread. You want to start one jermus?

I would think that Betts is a better goalline guy than Cartwright.
Plus Cartright slimmed down to be more of a running back size, so he wouldn't be as stocky and tough...but he could still "sneak underneath the pile" to get short yardage or a TD.
That said, I think he's probably gone this offseason, or as least limited to special teams again. Betts is better, or I wouldn't be surprised to see them pick up another bigger back that could be used in those situations (someone fairly cheap in free agency or maybe even a late round draft pick or undrafted FA).

Hey, if Givens or Patten can catch the ball 90% of the time it is thrown to them, it would be an improvement over RG. To be honest, I don't think we need a "big name" like Burress or one of the top draft prospects....but that's just me. Just another solid guy with decent size that has good hands. Of course, this is assuming Coles gets back to at least 85-90% healthy and can stretch the field like he is supposed to.

that was pretty funny....but remember, at least they got there! Remember when we all said that after the Raider defeat in Jan 84?