Cam Newton’s fever was obviously not limited to just quarterback conversations.
The presence of the new QB made Jermaine Wiggins think of previously unthinkable thoughts about the rest of the Patriots. In particular, Wiggins thinks that Newton’s existence as a new signaller will lead to great things for a recruit to the Patriots.
“Devin Asiasi will have a better year statistically – I would say receptions and footage – than Rob Gronkowski,” said the former Patriots stretch, saying he thought the newcomer to Tampa Bay would have more hits.
So what are we talking about when it comes to the final numbers for the Patriots’ third round pick?
“I can see this kid ending the season with more than 80 catches,” said Wiggins.
The idea that Asiasi will end up with better figures than Gronkowski is based on Newton’s previous tendency to lean on his tight ends, as was the case with former Panther Greg Olsen. Olsen finished two seasons with 80 or more catches by teaming up with the former quintessential NFL player.
Gronkowski, who found his longtime quarterback Tom Brady in Tampa Bay, also passed 80 catches twice, the last time in 2014 when he towed 82.
Asiasi finished with a career record of 44 catches and 641 yards last season with UCLA, attempting multiple receptions in 11 of the Bruins’ 12 games.
“It’s not that he has the skills of Greg Olson, but working with Cam and watching his skills in the way they used him at UCLA where they aligned him everywhere, they divided him widely” said Wiggins. “Maybe you can see some good confrontation opportunities. And Cam knowing he’s coming – we already know Cam’s favorite receiver is the tightest – he could get a lot of football for this kid.”
