Reche Caldwell

The Patriots got decent mileage (61/760/4) out of Caldwell last season, but it was clear that he was not the sort of go-to guy who was going to scare defenses.

With Deion Branch a holdout early on and rookie Chad Jackson off to a slow start in camp, Caldwell emerged as a player who could fill the WR spot occupied by David Givens last season. Though he never seemed to build a rapport with quarterback Drew Brees as a Charger, he is evidently on the same page as Tom Brady, who he worked with him extensively in the offseason. If he can hold off a late charge by Jackson, Caldwell may finally live up to his pre-draft reputation and emerge as a fantasy sleeper.

Caldwell came out of the gate quickly last year, catching 14 passes for 281 yards (17.2 yards per catch) and three scores in the season’s first four weeks. But after tearing a ligament in his right knee during Week 6, Caldwell’s season was over. Entering his fourth season, the 6-0, 215-pound Caldwell has good quickness, decent size and good hands, and there’s still room for growth in his route running and ability to read defenses. He’ll have to battle Eric Parker for playing time, but Caldwell’s athleticism advantage gives him upside. Caldwell expects to be 100 percent healthy for training camp.

Caldwell is entering his all-important third year in the league. Thus far in his career he has failed to live up to expectations, but this may be the year that he begins to reach his potential. The Chargers have tons of questions at wide receiver, and Caldwell has a chance to emerge as a star if he can stay healthy.