Tom Brady is one of the all-time great NFL quarterbacks, but yet he has never had a league-leading receiving corps over a long period of time. However, there are a handful of players that meet such high demands. Here they are.
5. Julian Edelman (2009-present)
In his early years, Edelman was a role player in the Patriots offense because of stars like Moss, Welker, and Gronkowski (hint, hint). But after injuries and departures, Edelman became the key receiver in the offensive scheme. Since then, he has averaged at least 60 yards per game and close to 100 receptions in his full seasons, including a game-tying TD pass and game-winning TD catch in the 2014 playoffs.
4. Wes Welker (2007-2012)
After also being a role player in his early seasons, Welker came to New England and became a key to many of New England’s historic offenses. Between 2007 and 2012, Welker had five seasons of 1,000+ yards and 100+ catches.
3. Troy Brown (2000-2006)
Though struggling with injuries toward the end of his career, Brown was one of Brady’s most reliable weapons, especially in 2001, when he reached 1,200 yards receiving. Brown was also consistent for 10+ yards from scrimmage per play, which helped considerably move the chains for New England for over a decade.
2. Randy Moss (2007-2010)
1.Rob Gronkowski
Despite being a tight end, and only playing eighteen games between 2012 and 2013, The Gronk holds a Patriots franchise record in receiving touchdowns with 69 and is on pace for nearly 1,300 receiving yards in 2016. He’s also the most entertaining player in the NFL.
