The New England Patriots are set to open training camp with expectations to show major improvements over last year. With the addition of head coach Mike Vrabel and the return of Josh McDaniels, the development of Drake Maye, key free agent signings, and a strong draft class, things are certainly pointing in the right direction. However, there are still concerns and roster decisions heading into the season.
The Patriots struggled mightily last year in the passing game. That can be expected when there is a rookie quarterback, a new, inexperienced head coach, and an offensive coordinator installing a new offense. It also didn’t help that the Patriots trotted out, arguably, the worst receiver group in the NFL. As the season progressed, Drake Maye started to show flashes of why he was the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The same can’t be said for any of the others involved in last year's passing game.
Heading into this offseason, Vrabel set out to revitalize a team that he once played for and competed for at the highest level. Vrabel, a tone setter and culture builder, retooled the defense in his image with the Harold Landry, Milton Williams, Robert Spillane, and Carlton Davis signings. His approach to the offense was a bit more subtle.
In reviewing the Patriots’ receiving depth chart, Stefon Diggs obviously stands out as a number one option. After that, though, Demario Douglas, Mack Hollins, and draft pick Kyle Williams seem like the only “safe” bets to make the roster. Kendrick Bourne, Kayshon Boutte, Javon Baker, Ja’Lynn Polk, and OTA surprise Efton Chism are battling for the remaining spots.
Kayshon Boutte seems to be relatively safe, as he was second on the team last year in terms of targets at wide receiver. The Patriots invested recent draft capital in Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, and though this regime has shown no loyalty to them, it would be a shame not to give young talent another opportunity. That leaves Kendrick Bourne potentially outside looking in.
Kendrick Bourne Could Shake Up the Patriots WR Room
Bourne will be fighting for a roster spot with four other younger receivers and will be 30 in a few weeks. That isn’t where a veteran wants to be on a rebuilding franchise. Boutte, Polk, Baker, and even Chism all fit the Drake Maye development timeline. It would be easy to make the case that Bourne is likely the odd man out.
However, Bourne is a possession receiver, and nothing points to that quite like his catch percentage. He had the second-highest catch percentage on the team, just slightly behind Demario Douglas, last year. If Maye gets in trouble, and he will, it's nice to have reliable options out on the field. If Maye and Bourne can build chemistry in camp, Bourne may be able to push his way to be a top 4 receiver on the team.
If Bourne makes his presence known and turns heads during training camp, the Patriots will have a tough decision to make. Do they risk running out higher potential and younger receivers, or do they opt for a safer bet and a receiver who catches nearly 75% of his targets? If Bourne does make the roster, which young receiver is the odd man out? A strong performance by Bourne could make Vrabel and McDaniels' roster decisions more difficult.