FOXBORO -- Short gray hairs jut out from the chin underneath Deion Branch's seemingly ever-present smile, proof that, at 33 years old, he is the elder statesman of the Patriots receiving corps.
But in his line of work -- especially in the eyes of his boss Bill Belichick -- experience does not guarantee job security. Branch knows that, and he's prepared to earn his place on New England's roster in the summer swelter of training camp, just as he's done for each of his first 10 seasons in the NFL.
"I've been fighting since I've been in the league," Branch said Thursday. "If you think that you've got a job then there's something wrong. And that its true, no one's a guaranteed lock. It's competitive. It's training camp. We're out here taking advantage of every opportunity we get, and it's the coaches who make the decisions."
But this camp might be different for Branch. The fight may be a little more real.
New England loaded up on receivers in the offseason -- they have 10 in all, not including Aaron Hernandez who ran some drills with wideouts during camp session -- and the spot near the top of the Patriots receiver depth chart that Branch has held over the last two seasons could be in jeopardy.
Brandon Lloyd figures to be Tom Brady's No. 1 threat outside the numbers. Wes Welker will maintain his place in the slot. After that, roles are very much undetermined. Branch will likely be in competition with both Jabar Gaffney and Donte' Stallworth for reps.
Together they make up an experienced group. Gaffney, though two years younger than Branch, is also in his eleventh training camp. Stallworth and Lloyd are both starting their tenth seasons. And while there is competition, Branch says that right now all the receivers are learning from one another, picking up on the things that have allowed them to have such lengthy careers.
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"It's a lot of fun," Branch said. "Even once we get in the meeting room, we're looking at film, always bouncing ideas off each other, trying to make each other better. That's all. They take stuff from me. I take a lot of stuff from those guys."
Branch probably benefits more than anyone from the chemistry he has with Brady. Despite diminishing physical skills, Branch still managed to catch 51 balls for 702 yards and 5 touchdowns last year. Several of those receptions came after plays had broken down and the two connected amid the resulting chaos.
But even that advantage may be rendered less significant this season. Both Gaffney and Stallworth have played with Brady in the past. Brady publicly lamented Gaffneys departure in 2009 to the Broncos, and the two seemed to pick up right where they left off on the first day of training camp as Gaffney caught several passes.
How his fellow receivers perform this summer is out of Branchs control. On the first day of training camp, his only concern was to do the things that have earned him a job for the last decade.
Do everything right, Branch said. Most importantly, carrying out the assignments that coach asks us. Staying on our feet, just playing good football. Can't make the football team on the first day.