05-15-2016, 10:23 PM
(05-15-2016, 05:14 PM)TheLeonardLeap Wrote: Sure, and who could possibly teach a rookie how to play the position better than Anquan Boldin?
I'm just really hesitant to get fired up by AJ, another Patriots Brandon, a couple rookies, a 7th round pick, and a guy coming off microfracture knee surgery as the WR corps. Boldin would make one hell of a tutor/safety net/reassurance.
Givings rookies playing time to learn and find out what you have is great and all, but less so when your team has legit SB aspirations.
I love Boldin and had we signed him instead of LaFell, I wouldn't have complained one bit. That said, I don't see why you're lumping LaFell in with Brandon Tate. LaFell's worst season is better than Tate's best. I really think the people who are sleeping on LaFell are in for a surprise. I fully expect 700+ yards out of him with some big plays mixed in - unless Boyd can somehow take the starting gig.
As for Boyd, I have full confidence that this coaching staff won't rely on him unless he's ready. Our coaches seem to be pretty good about that, so I doubt Boyd embarrasses himself this year. Plus it's not like he's some late round nobody.
He was one of the top 5-6 WR prospects in this draft and we seem to be planning to use him in similar ways to how he was used at Pitt. I'm pretty confident that he can replace or exceed Sanu's 390 yards and 0 TDs.
I doubt Boldin would sign on to be a 4th option, and if we started Boldin over LaFell, then LaFell would probably be pretty ticked considering he was promised a specific role when he signed. You'd also be pushing Boyd further down the chart and limiting his snaps. He needs to learn on the field.
The training, nutrition, medicine, fitness, playbooks and rules evolve. The athlete does not.
