Can Amendola replicate Welker?

Wes Welker departing the Patriots for the Broncos in free agency was one of the more unpredictable moves of the week so far.

The player tabbed to replace him was not. The Patriots have agreed to a five-year deal with Danny Amendola, the player most often compared to Welker in NFL circles.

They were both undrafted after decorated careers at Texas Tech; they've both become productive slot receivers in the NFL due to a unique combination of quickness and precise route-running; now, they'll both be tied to the same quarterback.

On the surface, the two offer many similar traits. But the Patriots aren't simply counting on Amendola to be a similar type of player to Welker in terms of ability, they're also counting on a similar level of production.

So, can Amendola produce at the same level?

To read the rest of the article on how the Pats can replace Wes Welker, you must be an ESPN Insider.

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Field Yates

ESPN Insider

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Field Yates has previous experience interning with the New England Patriots on both their coaching and scouting staffs. A graduate of Wesleyan University (CT), he is a regular contributor to ESPN Boston's Patriots coverage and ESPN Insider.