Ever since the turn of the decade, the New England Patriots have been searching for a definitive answer at receiver.
That year, Tom Brady departed for Tampa Bay and took Rob Gronkowski out of retirement with him. Julian Edelman also played his last NFL game that season.
The receiver core for New England since has not been ideal.
Trades, free agent signings, draft busts and the Patriots still haven’t found a solid receiver core… until now.
For the first time in a long time, the competition for the five or six wide receiver roster spots is heavily competitive. And it truly is a mystery what will be the makeup of the final roster, for all the good reasons.
Stefon Diggs
After years of searching for a true first option wide receiver, New England is placing its bets on Stefon Diggs, a former rival of Foxborough who spent 2020-2023 as a member of the Buffalo Bills.
Diggs is coming off a torn ACL he suffered last season as a member of the Houston Texans. He was on pace for over 1,000 yards had he played the entire year.
Despite the serious injury, Diggs is ahead of schedule and practicing with the team during training camp, as the perennial 1,000-yard receiver looks to give Drake Maye his best weapon of his young career.
DeMario Douglas
DeMario Douglas has been one of the few bright spots for the Patriots over the last couple years, and despite the addition of Diggs, his role with the team will likely increase.
“I love the person, I love his attitude, I love his spirit,” Head coach Mike Vrabel said via the Patriots. He loves to practice. He loves to play this game; he loves football….He’s gotten better….He’s picked up everything that we’ve asked him to do.”
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Josh McDaniels loves his slot receivers— that’s just a fact. Wes Welker, Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola all thrived in McDaniels’ offensive system.
So it makes sense that the ultra-talented Douglas will have as many opportunities as needed to showcase his abilities on the football field this season.
Kendrick Bourne
Unlike Douglas, this is not Kendrick Bourne’s first rodeo within the McDaniels system. In what will be his fifth year with the organization, Bourne has proven to be a talented asset for the Patriots when he’s on the field.
Bourne has been plagued with moments that have kept him away from the field, such as his benching in 2022 at the hands of Matt Patricia and his torn ACL in the middle of 2023, which kept him out for parts of both the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
Now back in McDaniels’ scheme, Bourne has to compete with some of the younger talent in order to secure a roster spot, which will only serve to fuel his competitive fire.
Kayshon Boutte
After playing in just the season-opener his rookie year, Kayshon Boutte showcased some of his talent and potential last year as a deep ball threat for Maye.
“It’s important for a receiver and a quarterback to have chemistry,” Boutte said via Mike Kadlick. “Anything he wants, I just ask him.”
But like many other receivers, Boutte’s spot on the roster is not secure. He’s competing with other young and talented receivers who have the same goal in mind. But a good preseason may be all Boutte needs to elevate his status.
If the third-year wide receiver continues to have a good offseason, Boutte can finally stop worrying about his place within the organization and continue to catch touchdowns.
Mack Hollins
Mack Hollins joined the team as a free agent signing this offseason, but has been sidelined due to injury for spring and the beginning of training camp.
While many of the young receivers have been getting reps, Hollins has been putting in the work himself but has been unable to show it on the practice field.
It’s hard to say if the rise of the younger wideouts will cause Hollins to slip on the depth chart or if the veteran will have enough time to showcase his abilities to the Patriots coaching staff.
Ja’Lynn Polk
It’s safe to say it wasn’t the ideal rookie year for Ja’Lynn Polk.
Polk had one of the worst seasons among rookie wide receivers, but he wants to put that behind him— in fact, he doesn’t even think about it.
“I don’t even think about last year,” Polk said via Mark Daniels.
Polk has proven during training camp that he’s worked on his game. His presence has been felt and he’s put the work in, but will it be enough to secure him a spot on the roster? It feels like the second-year wideout still has a ways to go.
Javon Baker
After boldly stating last offseason that he would make people in wheelchairs stand up with his performance, Javon Baker didn’t even stand up himself as he only got one start last season.
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But that’s the thing, he only had one start.
Like his fellow draftmate Polk, Baker has also had his shining moments during training camp. Only time will tell how many wheelchair owners will rise to their feet this season.
Efton Chism III
Efton Chism is a peculiar case.
The undrafted free agent from Eastern Washington University is already a fan favorite because of his highlight-worthy ability to get open that the wideout has shown during training camp.
McDaniels sees the potential as well, as the offensive coordinator has put Chism to work, having the rookie watch tape of legendary Patriot slot receivers such as the aforementioned Edelman and Amendola.
Because of his undrafted status and the logjam of young receivers on the roster, Chism will need to have an outstanding preseason in order to make the final roster. After witnessing what he can do on the practice field, Chism definitely has the potential to make an impact.
Final Depth Chart Thoughts
It’s tough to say who will make the first official depth chart once roster cuts make their way around the league. But what can serve as an indicator of who stands where is the preseason.
These receivers will be put to the test as the Patriots play their first preseason game of the year on August 8 against the Washington Commanders at Gillette Stadium.
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