New England Patriots: Top 5 wide receivers in franchise history

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27 Jan 2002: Troy Brown #80 of the New England Patriots (Al Bello/Getty Images) /

4. Troy Brown

There wouldn’t be a Wes Welker or Julian Edelman without Troy Brown. He was one of the first great slot wide receivers in Patriots history.

Brown saw the transition from Drew Bledsoe to Tom Brady. Imagine being in his shoes?

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Brown’s numbers speak for themselves. He played 15 seasons in New England and racked up 557 catches, 6,366 yards, and 31 touchdowns.

Just like the transition from Bledsoe to Brady, Brown’s career was filled with transitions. He started his career as a punt returner. Then he began to prove he could be a quality receiver.

We even saw Brown play defense. He lined up at corner and snatched 3 interceptions, 17 tackles, and 2 fumble recoveries.

Brown was a speedy guy who was dangerous in open space. Brown also had some stellar moments.

The Patriots played the San Diego Chargers in 2007 AFC Divisional round and it looked like the game was over. Tom Brady threw an interception late in the game. San Diego’s Marlon McCree thought he had clinched the game but Brown stripped the ball form McCree and the Patriots had a 2nd chance.

Troy Brown was one of the guys that all New England Patriots fans loved to watch.

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