Patriots gridiron news: Chris Hogan poised for expanded role in 2018
With Julian Edelman facing a four-game suspension, opportunity for a breakout season is once again possible for New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan.
When New England Patriots top playmaking wide receiver Julian Edelman was lost for the season prior to the 2017 NFL campaign all eyes turned to Chris Hogan to have a breakout season. Now with Edelman facing a four-game suspension to start the 2018 season, expectations are there again.
Although that breakout season didn’t happen, mostly due to injury, Hogan continued to show off his chemistry with Patriots quarterback Tom Brady when he is on the field.
In nine games last season, Hogan hauled in 34 receptions for 439 yards and 5 touchdowns. Those numbers should expand this season for a few reasons.
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Along with the possibility the team will be without Edelman, the team has lost both Brandin Cooks and Danny Amendola. The production of those two receivers helped take some of the pressure of Hogan last season. Going into this season, Hogan will be the receiver Brady is most comfortable with.
That leads to his versatility as a receiver. His ability to play three different positions, primarily the slot, will propel him as a reliable option in the Patriots offense. Add the fact that he is heading into the final year of his three-year deal with the Patriots, all things are setting up for Chris Hogan to have that breakout season he is capable of.
Again, it will depend on health. It will also depend on what the team gets out of a group of receivers all competing for a role in Tom Brady’s arsenal attack. Led by the return of Malcolm Mitchell, Jordan Matthews, Cordarrelle Patterson, Kenny Britt, Phillip Dorsett, Riley McCarron, Braxton Berrios and Cody Hollister round out an interesting group of pass catchers who will keep Hogan’s competitive edge on high.
"“It’s been very competitive,” Hogan said during organized team activities this spring. “I think all the guys that are in the room have come in and worked hard – the rookies and the vets that we brought in. Everyone is really trying to work hard together and get each other better so that competition in that room is really good right now.”"
Chris Hogan has the upper hand because he does have Brady’s trust. The other receivers will be trying to develop that trust.
Patriots being cautious with Malcolm Mitchell
Chris Hogan won’t be alone as a top Tom Brady target if third-year receiver Malcolm Mitchell can return and stay health this upcoming season.
After missing the entire 2017 season due to a knee injury, Mitchell has been back in the fold, but has not been full go so far during OTAs and minicamp. Spotted just once during the minicamp. The mystery surrounding Mitchell’s knee will be one of the storylines heading in training camp in July.
Following a highly effective rookie season, including a clutch performance in Super Bowl LI, the Georgia product creative a level of excitement due to the chemistry he formed with Brady.
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Since then, there has been nothing but concern for the young wide receiver. If the knee continues to slow him down, the New England Patriots hope another receiver emerges to help take some of the load off Hogan in the passing game.