Next Man Up

Nobody moves on like Bill Belichick.

The local pigskin pundits and bobbleheads have spent the time since Julian Edelman's 2017 season officially ended in equal parts reassurance and speculation.

Reassurance in a recounting of depth charts, position groups and skill sets. Yes, there are still plenty of pass catching options on New England Patriots roster.

Speculation in looking at that roster for who will replace Edelman.

Replace is probably the wrong word.

There simply isn't anyone on the team - or out in the greater NFL 'verse - who can replace Edelman, not because of his skill set as much as his relationship/chemistry/trust with Tom Brady.

The Patriots offense will change without Edelman. Player groupings, snap counts, opportunities will change. If there's any positive to take away from Edelman's injury is that the Patriots offense could become even more unpredictable. I suppose that's what all of us - pundits, bobbleheads and fans alike - are really trying to figure out; how the Patriots offense changes without Edelman.

I think we find out what the Patriots coaches think of Devin Lucien and D.J. Foster. Foster is technically a running back but he also played wide receiver in college. Both have been with the Patriots for two years and have teased with big plays in camp. Foster has looked serviceable in his preseason appearances but neither player has done enough to make me say, "Oh, so that's what the coaches see in this guy."

Maybe we already know with Lucien and Foster. After all, the Patriots went out and got Brandin Cooks at WR and Rex Burkhead and Mike Gillislee at RB. Doesn't seem like something Belichick would do if he thought Lucien and Foster were diamonds.

Speaking of Cooks, I hope the Patriots have been "hiding" him in the preseason, much as they did with Randy Moss. No reason to put anything on tape for the Chiefs. Still hoping those "bigger, faster" Deion Branch comps for Cooks turn out to be prescient.

I'm intrigued by Jacob Hollister taking Edelman's spot on the Final 53. The UDFA TE in Name Only has flashed as a receiver and would give Josh McDaniels a chance to turn the idea of the typical slot receiver on its head (while also affording 3TE line-up options). Instead of a 5' 9" 185 pounder lining up in the slot you've got a 6' 4" 240 pound man with a 7.12 three-cone drill time out there. The defense has to put a linebacker or safety on Hollister and that would have to benefit both Rob Gronkowski and the running game.

Lately there's been some chatter the Pats might keep just two tight ends given James Develin's role at fullback and their history using a tackle eligible as an extra blocker. Without Edelman would a 3rd TE become more likely to make the roster? Hollister, Matt Lengel and James O'Shaughnessy all have to hope so.

Or maybe I should just think inside the box on this one.

UDFA WR Austin Carr has been a favorite of local pigskin pundits and bobbleheads to snag a roster spot since even before he got to camp. Some of the gridiron cognoscenti believed he would push Amendola for a roster spot. He was insanely productive in his senior year at Northwestern, has decent size, strong hands and a sub-7 three-cone drill time (his 6.70 compares well with Edelman's 6.62). All he's done is make a circus catch for a TD in his preseason debut and lead all wide receivers in preseason receptions with 11. Part of that is opportunities, of course. The starters didn't play much against Jacksonville and Houston.

Perhaps Carr isn't a replacement for Amendola now so much as he would be insurance. It seems the oft-injured Amendola has played better when he's played less. There's also injury risk with Malcolm Mitchell who reportedly is managing a balky knee.

Carr makes sense. Total sense.

So why does that make me think he won't be the answer?