6 Patriots on the Chopping Block After 2024 Minicamp

2. Jalen Reagor, Wide Receiver

It's impossible to say the New England Patriots have an embarrassment of riches at the wide receiver position, but they do have a lot of intriguing young players to work with. Beyond veterans like Kendrick Bourne (coming back from injury) and free agent acquisition KJ Osborn, the Patriots could wind up featuring players like 2024 second-round pick Ja'Lynn Polk, 2024 fourth-round pick Javon Baker, 2023 sixth-round pick Demario Douglas, 2023 sixth-round pick Kayshon Boutte, and 2022 second-round pick Tyquan Thornton.

At least, you would think those guys are all going to get chances to prove themselves since the team drafted them.

That situation sort of puts Jalen Reagor in a tough spot. The former first-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles has really struggled to find his footing at the NFL level. The Patriots took a shot on him last year, signing him to the practice squad, and Reagor ended up playing in 11 games last year for the Pats.

Perhaps his biggest edge over anyone else in that receiver room is the fact that he can potentially be a game-altering kickoff return specialist. Reagor has always been good at returning kicks and punts, and actually took a kick 98 yards for a touchdown last year with the Patriots. It was his second career return touchdown and the NFL's new kickoff return rules could give Reagor his most clearly defined role yet.

With that said, this is a room the Patriots have invested a lot in. There may not be a household name, but they have brought in a lot of guys that they're undoubtedly expecting to make an impact. Reagor is going to have to fortify this team's belief that he can be a difference-maker on special teams to stick around this season.