22-year old WR Brandon Tate will battle 24-year old WR Julian Edelman for the kickoff return job in 2010.  The Patriots would like to see Tate win the job because Edelman will likely have a big role on offense.  Tate played in only 2 games for the Patriots last season and he returned 4 kickoffs for 106 yards (26.5 avg).  He has big play ability due to his speed when he’s healthy.  Edelman played in 11 games for the Patriots last year and he returned 11 kickoffs for 241 yards (21.9 avg). 

PROJECTED GRADE FOR THE PATRIOTS KICKOFF RETURNERS in 2010:  C+