1 – As soon as word broke late last week that former All-Pro receiver DeAndre Hopkins would be making a free agent visit to New England a curious question popped up in Patriot Nation: Who would he replace on the depth chart?
The answer to this question should be simple: No one.
Regardless of what Hopkins has left in the tank at 31, he’d immediately become the No. 1 option for Mac Jones. But that doesn’t mean he should replace anyone at this point, unless it’s a perquisite to getting Hopkins’ contract under the salary cap.
If it’s just a numbers game and roster-building situation, then Hopkins should simply push the rest of the receivers a notch down.
The reality is that the Patriots have appeared to be a bit of a house of cards at receiver this spring, both in terms of numbers and expectations at the position from top to bottom. At this point newcomer and presumed No. 1 option JuJu Smith-Schuster hasn’t been on the field for OTA workouts with the media in attendance. Tyquan Thornton had an impressive first session but has not been seen since as the second-round pick tries to make a massive Year 2 Jump. Veterans DeVante Parker and Kendrick Bourne have both flashed at times and sat out at times.
Even when all are healthy, New England only has four real wide receiver options and then lots of questions on the positional depth chart.
Adding Hopkins would bring perceived high-end talent. It could also add more depth. Smith-Schuster as a No. 2 is much more of a sure thing. Bourne, Parker and Thornton as Nos. 3-5 options? That’s a pretty competitive depth chart at receiver for the first time in New England in a long time.
Bill Belichick has said that depth at a certain position in the summer doesn’t always equate to depth at that spot during the season.
But a lack of depth, which the Patriots have as it stands in June at receiver, certainly would equate to a lack of depth come regular season action when injuries are bound to pop up.
It still feels like Hopkins might be a longshot to land with the Patriots as he looks for what might be the final contract and opportunity of his playing career. But even if he does surprise and finds a way to sign up for life in Foxborough with Bill O’Brien, Jones and the rest he should be an optimistic addition to the receiver depth chart and not a replacement.
2 – Speaking of the current lack of depth at the receiver position, it’s led to seemingly unfair, unrealistic hype for a couple sixth-round rookie draft picks. Both LSU’s Kayshon Boutte and Liberty’s Demario Douglas have their vocal fans on social media. Louisville quarterback conversion Malik Cunningham is also in the hype mix. The reality, though, is that all are longshots to have much if any role as contributors in 2023. And basing it on simple observations of OTA action to date, Boutte might be the longest shot of the three. Douglas has obvious quickness in the slot. Cunningham’s athleticism stands out, as does his early leadership/knowledge of offense. Boutte has really done nothing of note on the spring practice field after a college career that was ultimately very underwhelming for a guy with high expectations.
3 – It’s rather early to make any predictions for production at any position for any team. Mini-camp hasn’t even happened yet. Rosters aren’t even set. But it’s not hard to see Bourne having a bounce-back season for the Patriots offense this fall. Speaking last week at OTAs, Bourne was honest about his frustrations with the coaching situation last fall as well as disappointed in the way he handled things and what he brought to the team. Noticeably more muscular this spring, Bourne’s trademark smile and energy have returned to the practice fields behind Gillette Stadium. Based on early practice work it looks like he’ll be given chances to move around the formation and get the ball in his hands in a variety of ways. That all points toward the possibility of getting back to the production that saw Bourne record career highs in catches and yards in his first season in New England in 2021. Depending on what happens with Hopkins, Bourne might just end up being the best receiver the Patriots have, which was anything but the case under Matt Patricia’s leadership in 2022.
4 – Matthew Judon has not made an appearance at Patriots OTAs this spring, but that doesn’t mean he’s not working hard. The New England Pro Bowl pass rusher and offseason social media recruiting coordinator continues to try to lure talented players to Foxborough. His latest pursuit is Hopkins, with him willing to put his money where his social media mouth is. On Twitter this weekend Judon pledged to match a fan that offered to donate $500 to Hopkins’ charity of choice if he signed with the Patriots.
5 – Third-round pick Marte Mapu has stood out at Patriots OTAs, and not just because of the red non-contact jersey he’s wearing as he recovers from a torn pectoral. Mapu has taken reps at both linebacker and, more recently, safety. His size, length and athleticism are obvious. He also brings clear effort and energy to the practice environment. Mapu has been one of the most intriguing players on the practice field in Foxborough this spring.
“He’s doing real good,” said veteran safety Adrian Phillips, who knows a little something about defensive versatility. “He’s just a guy who wants to learn. When you talk about rookies, guys coming in, that’s the main thing you want to see. He’s going to ask a million questions. Because he’s one of those guys that doesn’t want to get it wrong but he’s not afraid to get it wrong. Because he wants to learn and be the best that he can. So it’s just fun having him in the room. Fun having him out there making plays and seeing him just grow every day. It’s fun to be a part of.”
6 – Mac Jones’ body language, comportment and leadership are going to be a focal point for many observers of Patriots practice and games thanks to all that unfolded for the quarterback and his offense last season. So far in spring OTA work Jones has been upbeat and energetic. That’s not to say there isn’t a reaction of disappointment or anger when he’s thrown an interception, but Jones’ emotions have been anything but a problem this spring. And teammates have been essentially unanimous in their praise when asked about the third-year QB.
“Same leader,” Bourne said. “Same leadership that he’s been having. I feel like last year was tough for all of us. And it’s all about us growing. I see the growth. I see the focus.”
7 – The Patriots announced this week that the team’s 2023 Hall of Fame Induction ceremonies will take place on Saturday, Oct. 21 at noon in the plaza just outside of Gillette Stadium. The event will include the induction of former linebacker and current Titans head coach Mike Vrabel, who beat out fellow finalists Logan Mankins and Bill Parcells in fan voting. Legendary New England offensive line coach Dante Scarnecchia will also be on hand, entering the Hall as a contributor. The ceremony, which is free and open to all fans, will take place one day before the Patriots host the Bills at Gillette Stadium. It’s also the bye week for Vrabel’s Tennessee team.