New England Patriots: Top 5 wide receivers in franchise history

By Sam Minton | Jan 25, 2019

FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS - JANUARY 13: Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots reacts during the first quarter in the AFC Divisional Playoff Game against the Los Angeles Chargers at Gillette Stadium on January 13, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

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FOXBORO, MA – JANUARY 20: Wes Welker #83 of the New England Patriots (Photo by Jared Wickerham/Getty Images) /

3. Wes Welker

You may notice a progression here. Wes Welker was the new Troy Brown. The short speedy receiver who Tom Brady falls in love with.

Welker’s career exploded with the Patriots. He struggled with the Miami Dolphins and was only on the team because he was a great punt returner.

When Welker came to New England he finally became a great receiver. In 6 seasons with the Patriots (the most seasons he has played with a single team), he had 672 catches for 7,459 yards and 37 touchdowns.

Welker did most of his damage in New England. It seemed like every play Tom Brady was getting the ball. In 3 separate seasons, Welker led the league in receptions while with the Patriots.

The only negative thing you can think of when it comes to Welker is his performance in the Super Bowl.

In Super Bowl XLVI the Patriots had a chance to avenge their loss to the New York Giants in the 2007 season.

The Patriots were driving late in the 4th quarter and had an opportunity to put the game away. Welker was wide open and if he had made the catch, New England would have been in the red zone, but Welker let the ball go off his hands. Immediately he knew that he let his team down, and we all know how that game ended up.

Still, Wes Welker is one of the best wide receivers to wear a Patriots uniform.

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