A Closer Look at Patriots’ Wide Receiver Depth

There are a lot of questions surrounding the Patriots’ wide receiver corps in 2019 but they’ve done a good job layering in a lot of interesting depth. At the top of the line we have Julian Edelman and rookie N’Keal Harry, the only two true roster locks in my opinion.

Then there are the unknowns in Demaryius Thomas, coming off a torn Achilles, and Josh Gordon, who is facing an uncertain suspension. Those two players at their best would give the team two proven outside targets. But again, it’s hard to count on either at this point and know exactly what the team might get out of them.

Let’s take a look down the depth chart to see who might emerge, since there are certainly a couple roles to be won, especially out of the gate with Thomas and Gordon possibly limited and unavailable.

Phillip Dorsett

I make no secret that I think Dorsett is just a replacement-level receiver in the Patriots system. He has the physical traits and speed and is by all accounts a prototypical off-field Patriot. That’s why he was a first-round pick, but when he gets on the field it has never all translated consistently into impact plays. Dorsett took an immediate backseat as soon as Gordon arrived if that tells you anything. Yes, he had two touchdowns on five catches in the playoffs, but was held without a catch in the Super Bowl. Dorsett is an insurance policy but in a perfect world, I’d love to see someone else rise to the occasion. His experience returning kickoffs is a good ace in the hole for him.

Dontrelle Inman

Inman is on his fifth team in six seasons but has shown occasional flashes with 11 career touchdowns and a 58-catch, 810-yard campaign for the Chargers in 2016. Inman is 30 and at 6’3″ he brings the element of size that most Patriots receivers seem to have these days. The lack of return skills could hurt him in the fight for a job, but he can play at the NFL level and it always interesting to see those players get thrown into the Pats’ offense.

Maurice Harris

Harris is also 6’3″ but is just 27 and coming off a quasi-breakout third season in which he grabbed 28 catches for the Redskins. This included 10 catches in Week 9. Harris worked from the slot a lot which could give him a leg up on the competition. Of all the new additions at wide receiver, Harris might be the most under-the-radar guy with a chance to click in New England. He’s the right size and has the right experience, and might take off when paired with Tom Brady. He’s returned six kickoffs in his career.

Braxton Berrios

Berrios is the prototypical slot receiver in the Edelman mold who can also return punts, a good advantage for him on a team with a lack of returners. Berrios will likely be in direct competition with Harris for a secondary slot role behind Edelman and with a year in the system, he could make strides. Simply showcasing himself as an electric punt returner might be Berrios’ biggest advantage.

Damoun Patterson

Another receiver with good size (6’2″), Patterson joined the practice squad in early December after spending time on two other practice squads in his rookie season. Patterson is a downfield burner and likely more of x-receiver fit, meaning his road to the roster is tougher than those who have the slot shiftiness. He also was a special teams contributor in college, something you can never ignore with the Patriots.

Jakobi Meyers

Another 6’2″ receiver, Meyers can play out of the slot and is a favorite by many to be the latest undrafted rookie to make the team. A former quarterback, Myers understands route running but he’s not an explosive athlete so the biggest question for him is whether or not he’s smart enough to get open in the NFL.

Ryan Davis

The other undrafted rookie, Davis is in the mold of Berrios, a 5’10” slot receiver. He ran a limited route tree at Auburn but has the quickness necessary in the NFL. He also is a punt returner, a valuable skill that could help him find a spot on the practice squad. It will be a big leap for Davis to playing receiver in the NFL.

Gunner Olszewski

Another undrafted rookie Olszewski has the traditional undersized, quick slot receiver appeal. These guys always seem to win the crowd over in training camp before being unceremoniously cast aside like Austin Carr. A Division 2 cornerback, he’s making the jump to wide receiver. He has a long road to a roster spot but also the kind of story that will make him fun to watch.

BOTTOM LINE

Of this group, Berrios, Harris and Meyers are my three favorites to watch. Berrios has that Edelman swagger that I’d love to see him back up in camp, while Harris seems like one of those castoff vets that could suddenly pop in the right offense. Too many undrafted rookies make the roster every year to write off Meyers. He shares a lot of traits with Harris and I’d expect one of them to make the roster.