Vote: Who Is the Best Wide Receiver in Patriots History?

by

Jun 5, 2012

Vote: Who Is the Best Wide Receiver in Patriots History?Troy Brown was voted into the Patriots Hall of Fame on Monday firmly cementing the receiver as one of the greatest in franchise history. But was he the greatest of all-time?

Brown holds a franchise record at the position with 557 career receptions and was an integral part to each of the Patriots three Super Bowl titles. There are a number of other former Patriot wideouts who have excelled in their time in New England as well.

Wes Welker is the most recent example, as the talented receiver has hauled in 554 of his 650 career receptions in a Patriots uniform — just three away from breaking Brown's record. He has also caught 100 or more passes in four of his five seasons in Foxboro and has been named to four Pro Bowls as a member of the team.

Randy Moss is another standout receiver in Patriots history. The Freak caught 259 balls, racked up 3,904 yards receiving and snagged 50 touchdowns over three-plus seasons in New England. Moss' impressive career also included a record-breaking 2007 season, in which he connected with quarterback Tom Brady for 98 receptions, 1,493 yards and an NFL record 23 touchdowns.

Going a little further back in history, Irving Fryar was about as talented a receiver as the Patriots had ever seen during his nine seasons in Foxboro. After being selected first overall in the 1984 NFL Draft, Fryar made five Pro Bowl teams in his 17-year career. As a Patriot, Fryar recorded 363 of his 851 career receptions and 38 of his 84 touchdowns.

Another stellar receiver was Stanley Morgan, who ranks third on the Patriots all-time receptions list with 534. Morgan made four Pro Bowls in his 14-year NFL career, catching 557 passes and 72 touchdowns — the majority of which came in New England.

The final candidate would be Gino Cappelletti, who played 11 seasons for not the New England but rather the Boston Patriots. Cappelletti caught 292 passes, including 42 for touchdowns, over his career in what was then primarily a running-heavy league.

Even with Troy Brown's stellar career in New England, was he the best receiver in Patriots history?

Who is the best wide receiver in Patriots history?

Photo via Facebook/Troy Brown

Previous Article

Dustin Pedroia Will Sport a Customized Splint to Protect Thumb, Feels ‘Perfect’ and Has ‘No Reservations’ About Playing

Next Article

Poland and Russia Are Safe Bets to Advance From Group A at Euro 2012

Picked For You