Patriots Rumors: Brandon Lloyd, Deion Branch, Matt Slater, Stevan Ridley, Shane Vereen

Brandon Lloyd

Shalise Manza Young ofย the Boston Globeย writes that Patriots WRย Brandon Lloyd has “impressed all week” and is making an “easy transition to New England”ย during the teams’ OTAs.

This isn’t exactly all that surprising when you consider thatย Lloyd has been playing inย Josh McDaniels system for the last two years.

“Iโ€™m familiar with the nuances of the offense, so that definitely helps with the transition,” said Lloyd.

The Patriots areย obviouslyย hoping that he play at the level that he did two seasons ago with the Broncos when he led the NFL in receptions.

Deion Branch

Mike Reiss ofย ESPN Boston mentions that there’s been a “general cooling”ย regarding WR Deion Branch in recent weeks.

Reiss isn’t suggesting that he won’t make the Patriots 53-man roster, but there’s at least a decent chance that New England could elect to go with one of the other receivers that they brought in.

Matt Slater

Mike Reissย seesย WR Matt Slater as a lock to make the Patriots 53-man roster, because of his ability toย contributeย on special teams.

Reiss mentions that Jabar Gaffneyย and Julian Edelman both have decent shot to make the team as well, but it’s still too early to say for certain.

This doesn’t bode well for Chad Ochocinco, who has reportedly beenย struggling,ย despite the fact that this is his second-year with the Patriots.

Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereenย 

Mike Reissย believes that the Patriots will giveย “bulk of the work” toย RBs Stevan Ridley and Shane Vereen next season, even with the recent signing of Joseph Addai.

Reiss refers toย Addai asย an “insurance” back, which makes sense considering that he’s struggled to stay and healthy and be effective in recent years.ย New England also hasย Danny Woodhead on the roster, so he should be used in third-down situations, similar to his previous role in year’s past.

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