Patriots' Chris Hogan Targeting No. 3 Receiver Spot In Offense
BOSTON (CBS) -- After Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola, the Patriots have had something of a revolving door at the third spot on the wide receiver depth chart in recent years. Brandon LaFell excelled in the role in 2014 but struggled to regain his production in the 2015 season, while the likes of Keshawn Martin stepped into the role and contributed significantly at times.
Now, with LaFell gone to Cincinnati, free-agent addition Chris Hogan is looking to seize the role and literally run with it.
Speaking to Mark Daniels of the Providence Journal, Hogan talked about his "DoMode" mantra that serves as his motivational phrase to work his way up to where he wants to be.
"For me, I'm an undrafted guy, so every single year was a battle," said Hogan. "I never took anything for granted. Every single day was an opportunity for me to be on the field - if I was starting, playing or not playing, every single day I came out here ready to work."
Hogan also commented on his work with quarterback Tom Brady and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, describing his ultimate goal as simply "Know your job, know where to line up and play fast." If the 6-foot-1, 220-pound Hogan were to stick as a reliable No. 3 receiver in the Patriots system, he would almost certainly surpass his single-season career highs of 41 receptions and 450 receiving yards.
Hogan has faced a healthy competition for the spot at minicamp with other receivers like Martin and Aaron Dobson. Rookie Malcolm Mitchell is also looking to get into the mix. As evidenced by LaFell's success in 2014, with a reliably productive No. 3 receiver a healthy Patriots offense can be practically unstoppable.
Vote below for whom you think will eventually take over the No. 3 receiver role in the Patriots offense.
