Fantasy Impact: New England Patriots Select Aaron Dobson

With the number 59 pick in the 2013 NFL draft, the New England Patriots took Aaron Dobson, WR, Marshall.

Right away, people will make the inevitable comparison with another wide receiver from Marshall who incidentally grew up close to Dobson's hometown. However, Dobson is no Randy Moss. He has the requisite size for an ‘X' receiver at 6'3″ and is athletic enough to succeed there. Dobson has great hands for a wide receiver (take a look at his infamous one handed catch sometime), and can make tough catches with solid body control. In fact, Dobson had no drops last year on 92 targets. Dobson has the ability to beat press coverage, and will block for runners, which is a requirement in the Patriots system. As with most Patriots draft choices, he was a team captain at Marshall.

Dobson's speed isn't the best — he can play the deep ball, but won't ever be called a burner or possess excellent speed. He also needs some minor work on his intermediate route running, and his overall technique needs some refining.

College Stats

Fantasy Impact with the New England Patriots

Given that the Patriots are ridiculously talent-deficient at wide receiver beyond Danny Amendola, Dobson has a chance to get his share of snaps early on provided he can earn them. A large part of his production will be based on health of New England players, as Rob Gronkowski, Aaron Hernandez, and Amendola have all displayed propensity for injuries. In fact, Gronkowski may be iffy for Week 1 if his arm keeps troubling him. Assuming all are healthy, Dobson isn't worth considering in redrafts. However, because of his physical tools, he makes an intriguing if extremely long term play in dynasty leagues.