Kenbrell Thompkins is running away with the X receiver role in New England
Dorian “The Trashman” Colbert, Rosterwatch.com

 

Undrafted rookie Kenbrell Thompkins looks like the Pats receiver to own outside of Danny Amendola. Only Amendola has played more first-team snaps at receiver than Thompkins, who played his college ball at Cincinnati. Thompkins was making waves in camp even before his 8-reception, 12-target, 116 yard outburst during New England’s Week 3 preseason “dress rehearsal,” a game in which Amendola did not participate.

Initially a character concern, Thompkins was not drafted for mainly that reason, but according to sources close to the 25 year-old, he has turned his life around. It’s definitely showing on the field, and his off-field life has yet to surface on PFT, so that’s good start.

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Fellow rookie and second round pick Aaron Dobson was previously assumed by many to be fill the X receiver role formerly handled by Brandon Lloyd in the Patriots offense, but it’s Thompkins who is running away with the starting nod. Lloyd amassed 911 yds and 4 tds in that spot last year, if that’s any indication as to what we can expect from Thompkins. I think the young man could actually eclipse that mark, at least touchdown-wise, as the tight end may not be as much of a focal point this season. In any case, Thompkins will make a nice stash in the ninth round of your fantasy draft. Don’t sleep on him.