What It Means:

Dobson is currently projected as the team's number four or five receiver, but he doesn't provide a special teams boost like fellow receiver Brian Tyms does. That might be the deciding factor, according to beat writer Mike Reiss.

Whoever wins the spot could have some fantasy football relevance at some point, given Brandon LaFell's uncertain health. Last year, the Patriots ranked fifth in our schedule-adjusted Passing Net Expected Points per play metric, which compares a team to expectation level. Of course, they'll be without Tom Brady to start the season, but it's one of the best passing offenses year after year.