All throughout NFL training camp, it was clear that the Patriots would have to make some difficult decisions when it came time to pick the 53-man roster, especially in the wide receiver room. If the team went all the way down to five receivers, as many teams do, the Patriots would have to make three very difficult cuts. Even if they stuck at seven receivers, which would give them among the biggest WR rooms in the league, there would be a prominent name that would be let go.
So what did the Patriots do? They kept eight. Yes, eight receivers, meaning that as things stand, 15% of the roster is now made up of receivers.
The chief beneficiaries of this are the bubble players: Javon Baker, who was excellent on special teams and struggled on the passing game; Kendrick Bourne, who was injured for most of camp, and Ja’Lynn Polk, who will stay around despite missing the season with a shoulder injury.
Kayshon Boutte and undrafted rookie Efton Chism were projected as longshots this offseason but solidified their cases with good spring work followed by very good camps.
What Is the Patriots’ Wide Receiver Depth Chart?
Right now, the WR1 figures to be free-agent signee Stefon Diggs, who is returning from a torn ACL. Diggs has amassed 10,491 yards over 10 seasons, despite playing only eight games last season with the injury. He also has 70 career touchdowns.
No doubt, Pop Douglas will be the Patriots‘ slot man and could be in for a big season in Josh McDaniels’ offense. He has been the best receiver on the team in camp. Chism is clearly his backup, though the Patriots are likely to employ sets with both players on the field.
The question is, who will play the speed role opposite Diggs? Boutte (second year) and rookie Kyle Williams are long-term candidates, but both are young.
Veteran Mack Hollins or Bourne could be the choice. Hollins has already earned a reputation for reliability within the team, and Bourne has had a trust level with McDaniels from their previous work in New England.
Whom Did the Patriots Cut?
From the team’s website comes the official cuts, with the biggest names of note being lineman Cole Strange, the 2021 first-round pick, as well as kicker John Parker-Romo (who likely outplayed sixth-round pick Andy Borregales) and safety Marcus Epps, the veteran who was signed from the Raiders.
The Patriots kept two players on the bubble and rumored to be in trade discussions, Kyle Dugger and Anfernee Jennings. The site noted:
The Patriots released the following players: CB Miles Battle, G Mehki Butler, G Jack Conley, CB Brandon Crossley, TE C.J. Dippre, S Marcus Epps, RB JaMycal Hasty, T Demontrey Jacobs, RB Terrell Jennings, WR John Jiles, DE Truman Jones, C Alec Lindstrom, DB Kobee Minor, DT David Olajiga, LB Cam Riley, DT Jahvaree Ritzie, K Parker Romo, TE Gee Scott Jr., G Cole Strange, LB Bradyn Swinson and WR Jeremiah Webb.
Patriots Make Surprising WR Decision in 53-Man Roster Cuts