The New England Patriots had a horrendous year in 2023, finishing with the second record in the league and securing the third overall pick in the draft.
Part of the problem for the Patriots was their inability to push the ball down the field in the air. They were 28th in passing yards per game (180.5) and 27th in passing touchdowns (16).
With that, New England did make some changes at wide receiver this offseason, so before training camp begins, let's familiarize ourselves with the room.
Kendrick Bourne
Bourne is coming off of a torn ACL, and he's yet to practice, but that didn't stop New England from giving him a new three-year deal this offseason.
He's probably the Patriots' best wideout when healthy, so if he recovers well from the knee injury, he should be near the top of the depth chart.
DeMario Douglas
Douglas had the best statistical rookie season of any wideout during the Bill Belichick era in New England despite being a sixth-round draft pick out of Liberty.
The 23-year-old should be the team's starting slot receiver in 2024 if he can build chemistry with the new quarterbacks.
K.J. Osborn
Osborn spent the first four seasons of his career with the Minnesota Vikings mainly playing as the third option behind Adam Thielen and Justin Jefferson or Jefferson and Jordan Addison.
New England signed him this offseason to a one-year, $4 million contract, and he's been one of if not the first receiver through drills this offseason. Expect him to have a big role in the offense early.
JuJu Smith-Schuster
Smith-Schuster spent his first five seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and one with the Kanas City Chiefs before joining the Patriots last offseason.
Injuries limited his production in his first year, and they're hoping that the rest that he got during the offseason is enough to get him back to his old self. If he reverts to his previous form, he'll have a big role, but if he doesn't he could be cut.
Tyquan Thornton
The 2022 second-round pick hasn't done much since entering the league of Baylor. He's battled injuries and has just looked lost on the field at times. He'll need to use the blazing speed to create separation in training camp and in the preseason he wants a shot at the last spot on the depth chart.
Jalen Reagor
Reagor was labeled a bust after being a first-round pick of the Philadelphia Eagles in 2020. After two years, he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings and signed with New England last year.
He made an impact on special teams, which is likely what he'll have to do again to earn a roster spot in 2024.
Kayshon Boutte
Boutte showed some flashes at LSU before the Patriots drafted him in the sixth round last year.
However, he struggled to see playing time, finishing his rookie campaign with just two catches. He'll have to show that he's addressed some of the problems that plagued him last year and avoid the ways missteps off of the field like gambling.
Ja'Lynn Polk
Polk was New England's second-round pick in this year's draft, and while he wasn't their top option, he made some plays in minicamp. The range of outcomes is all over the place for Polk, but he very well could be the team's best receiver at the end of the year.
Javon Baker
Baker was one of New England's fourth-round picks this year, and after showing some flashes at UCF, he continued to do the same throughout organized team activities and minicamp. He's all but guaranteed a spot on the team, but how often he sees the field is totally up to how he does over the next two months.
Kawaan Baker
Baker is entering his third season in the league after being drafted by the New Orleans Saints in 2021 out of South Alabama. He's appeared in just two games so far in his NFL career, so he'll probably be fighting for a practice squad spot.
JaQuae Jackson
Jackson went undrafted this year out of Rutgers and was ultimately claimed by the Atlanta Falcons. He was waived in the offseason and claimed by New England. Considering the depth at the position, it would take a tremendous showing for him to make the roster.
David Wallis
Wallis played at Division III Randolph-Macon in college. The 22-year-old is a longshot to make the roster.
