2. Kendrick Bourne, Wide Receiver
In the middle of a crowded receiver room sits Kendrick Bourne, a 29-year-old with two years and $11 million left on his contract.
Given the Patriots additions at receiver in Diggs and Hollins, and the up and coming talents of Douglas and Boutte, the future in New England remains murky for Bourne.
The Patriots will more than likely add another receiver in this years draft as well. Some names that have been vouched for across Patriots media include the big bodied Jayden Higgins, Tre Harris, KeAndre Lambert-Smith and Kyle Williams.
Will the team continue to trust Bourne approaching age-30, having missed 14 games over the past two seasons? There are arguments for both sides.
One positive is that he is reunited with offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, the coach in which the eight-year veteran had his best season under.
#Patriots WR Kendrick Bourne in his latest YouTube video:
— Carlos A. Lopez (@LosTalksPats) March 28, 2025
“I’m telling you. This my year. This my year. I know it. Josh McDaniels, I’m coming. I’m coming to dominate.”
New England’s receivers have been putting in work non-stop! 🔥
(🎥 @BournePoly11 YT) pic.twitter.com/GPeiO5hMy1
In 2021 under McDaniels, Bourne hauled in 55 catches on 70 targets, 800 receiving yards and five touchdowns, all career-highs.
Now, with Maye slinging it instead of Mac Jones, Bourne will look to recapture some of that 2021 magic with McDaniels back in town. That is, if the team chooses to keep him around.
After missing the first four games rehabbing from an ACL injury, Bourne managed 28 catches, 305 yards and a touchdown in 12 games in 2024. These were the lowest totals for Bourne since his rookie season with the 49ers.
There are just too many question marks surrounding this Patriots receiver room, and I didn't even mention last years' draft picks, Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker. While Diggs should be the first option and Douglas is projected to have a big year in the slot, the team could look to add a receiver that's bigger in stature to use on the outside.
Bourne is a great player to have in the locker room and has already cracked jokes with Stefon Diggs, but given his age and recent performances after injury, it could be easy for New England to replace the 29-year-old.
New England doesn't have the best track record of drafting receivers, but hitting on one in this draft, plus the further progression of Boutte and Polk, could leave Bourne as the odd man out.
The NFL Draft is just over a day away, with a lot of excitement surrounding the Patriots organization after a successful free agency and familiar faces coaching the team moving forward.