The New England Patriots, admittedly, are yet to reach the competitive portion of their offseason program, but through May and early June, the most intriguing position group continues to be the wide receiver room. Coach Mike Vrabel has been quick to point out that just about every team in the NFL has a dozen receivers competing for around six spots on the 53-man roster. That’s true. How many have retuning players from one of the worst offenses in the league last year, and an injection of a big name? Here’s a (very) early prediction of where the Patriots’ wideouts stand:
Likely A Lock:
Stefon Diggs: Torpedo the party boats, Diggs looked excellent during his limited participation in the third week of Organized Team Activities (OTAs). He moved with confidence and strength through full-speed workouts with his position group and was then active in hurry-up team-wide work. If he continues on this pace, and keeps distractions at a minimum, he looks on track to play Week 1.
Kyle Williams: Williams has the ability to be the X-receiver the Patriots have sought for years now. Receivers coach Todd Downing called himself a “big fan of Kyle” before Monday’s practice, and the rookie continues to get reps with Drake Maye and other presumed starters. The 69th overall pick is known for his route-running and separation – two attributes the Patriots sorely lacked last year.
DeMario “Pop” Douglas: After being a bright spot in his rookie season, Douglas led the team but remains short of a 1,000-yard season. The diminutive wideout has undeniable quickness – enough to be a third or fourth receiver on this team. He needs to be sure to be on the same page as his quarterback.
Mack Hollins: Hollins has been present at OTAs but unable to participate. His experience (and five touchdowns last season with the Bills) is likely enough to keep him on the roster, so long as he’s healthy enough to play in training camp. He seems to have the personal makeup to be a solid role player and veteran presence, and he brings a big body to the wideout room.
Fighting For A Spot:
Kayshon Boutte: Despite being one of the Patriots’ more productive receivers last year (his 589 yards trailed just Douglas), Boutte still needs to fight his way up the depth chart – and away from being a trade chip.
He wowed in practice this week with a deep ball from Maye, and he has the ability to play the perimeter, while some higher-up receivers move inside the numbers. Unfortunately, his best game last year came in Week 18…and the stakes of that situation do not require rehashing.
Kendrick Bourne: Bourne was absent from Monday’s OTA, and that opened the door to opportunities to run with 1s for another receiver (more on that in a minute). Bourne’s had an up-and-down journey with New England: he had more than 800 receiving yards in 2021, clashed with the coaching staff in 2022, and then, struggled back from and ACL tear. He’s going to have to show himself to be closer to the receiver he was a few years ago, and even then, he could be on the trade block.
Efton Chism III: As much as someone can have a “big day” in shells and shorts…well, Chism did that in Week 3 of OTAs. He caught all seven balls thrown to him in competitive team periods, including one from Maye. Josh Dobbs’ favorite target got a chance to run with the big dogs in Bourne’s absence. He fit right in.
Ja’Lynn Polk: Polk will be a fascinating test case for how much Vrabel values last year’s draft, and Polk’s high draft status. He had a terrific summer in 2024, followed by a rookie season that was riddled with drops and other mistakes. He was once billed as a Jakobi Meyers comp, but he’s been limited throughout the spring and has a lot of competition in front of him on his way to finding a role.
Javon Baker: At this point, Baker is better known for his draft day comments than anything he’s shown on the field. That’s a real disappointment, as the Patriots could use his explosiveness in this room. He got a couple chances on Special Teams last year, but even that spot is probably going to be up for grabs among a few different guys listed here.
Longshot For 53:
John Jiles: Practice player from last season, formerly undrafted free agent signed with the Giants and waved at the end of their 2024 camp.
Jeremiah Webb: Undrafted free agent from South Alabama.
Demeer Blankumsee: Undrafted free agent from Memphis.