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First and foremost, happy training camp week! The Patriots officially begin their 2023 campaign on Wednesday.
That also means we only have two more Patriots Depth Projection’s left. What is Patriots Depth Projection, you ask?
It’s an article series that we’ve done here at WEEI.com over the last several weeks to take an in-depth look at each of New England’s ten position rooms, name trade candidates, predict highs and lows, project who makes the team, and grade each room heading into this all-imprtant 2023 season.
Here’s a look at the eight rooms we’ve graded out so far:
Depth projection: Linebackers
Depth projection: Defensive line
Depth projection: Specialists
Depth projection: Offensive line
Depth projection: Tight ends
Depth projection: Cornerbacks
Depth projection: Safeties
Depth projection: Running backs
Today’s the penultimate piece. Without further ado, here’s the wide receiver room:
The Rundown:
New England’s wide receiver room only had one pass catcher eclipse 800 yards in the 2022 season.
So, naturally, the first thing they did this offseason was let said lone 800-yard receiver, Jakobi Meyers, walk to the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency and reunite with Josh McDaniels.
The Patriots did, however, add veteran JuJu Smith-Schuster to the mix just a few days later, signing him to a three-year, $33 million contract. We’ll get into his importance later on, but I’ll mention some good news on his front. After nursing a knee injury this offseason that he suffered during last season's AFC Championship game, he’ll be ready to go at training camp this week according to the Boston Globe’s Nicole Yang.
The elephant in the room is New England’s loss in the DeAndre Hopkins sweepstakes. The Titans beat them out with a two-year, $26 million contract that is worth up to $32 million in incentives. There's a base salary $12 million in 2023 with a chance to get to $15 million. The Patriots weren't close. They missed out. Over and done with.
Outside if the addition of Smith-Schuster, the team returns veterans DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, and Tyquan Thornton, Tre Nixon, and Raleigh Webb. Rookies Kayshon Boutte, Demario Douglas, and Malik Cunningham will have a chance to make an impression (and the roster) as well.
Who we’re sleeping on:
JuJu Smith-Schuster
This was the best signing the Patriots made this offseason. Smith-Schuster’s dynamic and versatile skillset will fit in seamlessly with what Bill O’Brien wants to do on offense. He can play both in the slot and on the boundary, has incredible yards-after-catch ability, and has a knack to become a trustworthy option for the quarterback, something he’s done with both Ben Roethlisberger and Patrick Mahomes.
Smith-Schuster spoke about his fit with New England during his introductory press conference in May, saying that he sees himself “as a guy that’s coming in, trying to find a role and fit in. I think everybody is a No. 1 receiver in this offense The playbook’s amazing.”
For context on what the Patriots are getting with JuJu, he put up 111 carches for 1,426 yards in 2018 (his best season as a pro) and helped the Chiefs win a Super Bowl last season to the tune of 78 catches for 933 yards and three touchdowns.
This was a home run signing after losing out on Meyers. He's Jakobi with YAC ability.
the greg hill show: Wiggy's had enough of the "Bill is on the hot seat" talk
Surprise cut:
Tyquan Thornton.
Add italics, underlining, and asterisks to this one... but also hear me out.
Do I think Thornton will get cut? No, I don’t - but there’s a path to his shocking release, and it relies on health.
Thornton shined for the Patriots during his rookie training camp a year ago, but as soon as he hit the field for NFL game, he broke his collar bone and missed the first four weeks of the year. Through 13 games, he ended up with just 247 yards on 22 catches.
Once again this preseason, he looked like he belonged during his lone appearance at OTA’s in front of media. He was heavily involved and constantly schemed up for touches by offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien, and showed off his speed by dusting cornerback Myles Bryant for a touchdown from Mac Jones during a skeleton drill.
It was great and refreshing to see... until he missed the following practice. According to ESPN’s Mike Reiss, he’s been managing a soft tissue injury.
While he didn't land on PUP with Mike Onwenu, Cody Davis, and Justus Tavai, injuries will undoubtedly be a factor in Thornton's career moving forward. If he can't get healthy and the rookies in Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas shine, perhaps the team thinks Thornton (and his second-round pick value) are expendable.
Another reminder: This is not a prediction. I fully expect Thornton to make the roster. However, he’d be the most likely veteran to get the snip if things go a certain way.
Trade candidate:
Kendrick Bourne.
After signing a three-year $21 million contract with the Patriots in the Spring of 2021, Bourne put 55 receptions 800 yards, and five touchdowns in his first season.
He then spent last year in the dog house and played just 441 snaps vs. 612 the year prior.
By all accounts, Bourne is back on track and had a “great Spring” with the club. He’s also arguably Mac Jones’ most trusted confidant with Jakobi Meyers gone, and should help play a role in O’Brien’s new offense.
That being says, if things go south for Bourne like they did last year during camp, perhaps Belichick will have had enough. While he would command a decent market (likely a mid to late-round pick), dealing him would severely depleat New England’s already shaky wide receiver group.
I wouldn’t put it past them, however. He’s their most tradable asset in the room.
Full roster projection:
In: JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, Kendrick Bourne, Tyquan Thornton, Kayshon Boutte (R), Demario Douglas (R)
Out: Tre Nixon, Raleigh Webb, Ed Lee
Grade heading into 2023:
C-.
It’s not a great room, but they get a pass for now. If everyone stays healthy and they play to their full potential, they have the combined skillsets to succeed with Bill O'Brien leading the way.
We’re back for a FINAL edition of the Patriots Depth Projection tomorrow to break down the quarterbacks. Keep it here at WEEI.com as we get ready for New England’s training camp on Wednesday.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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