Howe On Toucher & Rich: Lloyd 'Came As Advertised'
The New England Patriots held their organized team activities last week with the team getting a nice preview of what to expect come training camp in July.
Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald joined 98.5 The Sports Hub's Toucher & Rich to discuss the status of Rob Gronkowski's ankle, how Brandon Lloyd performed during OTAs, and which wide receivers will stick come cut time.
Tight end Rob Gronkowski underwent surgery right after the Super Bowl in February to repair his ankle. Gronk was out and about the other day and said that it feels "great."
"He's been saying that since probably March, but I think the good sign is he was out on the golf course," Howe said of Gronkowski taking part in former Patriot Joe Andruzzi's Charity Golf Tournament On Monday. "And if you're out swinging a golf club for 18 holes it's probably not a good idea if the ankle is still hurting. The other thing is there's no way he did this without the Patriots' permission."
One of the big stories to come out of the recent OTAs was newcomer Brandon Lloyd. The wide receiver was a big hit with quarterback Tom Brady, who expects big things out of his new weapon.
"He really came as advertised and you always watch how these veteran receivers come in and handle the whole situation because it's happened successfully with a guy like Randy Moss and very unsuccessfully like Chad Ochocinco and Joey Galloway and to a lesser extent Tory Holt," said Howe. "But Brandon Lloyd came in and he was electric right away."
It's pretty early to start talking about who will be around on the final roster, but what wide receivers does Howe think will survive those final cuts at this point in time?
"You start at the top; obviously Lloyd and Welker aren't going anywhere. I think Gaffney and Branch are probably in the same boat -- I think Brady would kill someone if they cut either of those guys, especially Branch," said Howe.
