The Patriots head into 2020 with an abundance of question marks at the wide receiver position. The Patriots currently have 11 receivers on the roster. But, the question is, which of these receivers will step up and make the 53-man roster?
Last season, the Patriots really struggled at the wide receiver position. Julian Edelman was productive, but he still led the NFL in drops. The Patriots were never able to truly establish a number two receiver last season. Antonio Brown and Josh Gordon did not pan out, N’Keal Harry was often injured, Mohamed Sanu never established himself, and Philip Dorsett regressed.
Many expected the Patriots to make a big splash via trade or free agency to address the need. But, the only free agent addition the Patriots made at the position was signing the speedy Damiere Byrd. They also signed Marqise Lee, but he opted out of the 2020 season, so he will not be in the fold.
After sitting out free agency many expected the Patriots to pursue a wide receiver in the draft. This was supposed to be one of the deepest drafts at wide receiver. There was projected talent all over the board. However, Bill Belichick and the Patriots decided to pass up on drafting a wide receiver completely. The draft concluded with 37 receivers taken, and 17 in the first three rounds, none by the Patriots.
So, as training camp progresses, Bill Belichick will soon need to figure out which combination of wide receivers gives the Patriots the best chance to win.
ROSTER LOCKS
Julian Edelman
Even at age 34, Julian Edelman is clearly the best receiver on this team, and will likely lead the team in receptions if he can stay healthy. His leadership, toughness, and grit sets him apart. Going into year 12, expect Julian Edelman to still be that reliable target who will catch 70-80 passes. Edelman is now tasked with the challenge to prove that he’s not just a creation of Tom Brady. If he can continue to act as a safety blanket and continues to shoulder the workload for the receivers, he’ll become a huge help for whoever the next quarterback is.
N’Keal Harry
When it comes to N’Keal Harry, the expectations are a little bit different. Harry is entering his second season after a disappointing, injury plagued rookie season. Harry has not really had a good training camp to this point, and has missed a couple of practices. However, this season is very important for Harry, as he needs to take a step forward in his growth and development. N’Keal Harry was a first-round pick in the 2019 draft, and needs to play like it in 2020. But, none-the-less, N’Keal Harry will be on the roster just off his draft position alone. Not even Bill Belichick can bail on a first-round draft choice after one season.
LIKELY TO MAKE THE ROSTER
Damiere Byrd
Damiere Byrd came to New England in free agency after a brief one season stint in Arizona. Before that Byrd spent time with Cam Newton in Carolina. His quickness and ability to take the top off a defense is evident, and has to be one of the reasons why Bill Belichick brought Byrd into New England. So far, Byrd has been a constant playmaker in training camp, and has turned some heads. I could see Byrd replacing Phillip Dorsett in this offense, as they both are similar players. Byrd could ultimately become a big part of this offense, and is certainly one of the wild cards of this group. I’d be really surprised if Bill Belichick cut bait with Byrd.
Mohamed Sanu
Mohamed Sanu is entering his first full season in New England after the Patriots traded for him last October. They paid a hefty price to land Sanu, and to this point it has been an utter disappointment. Giving up a second-round pick was a lot for Sanu, and he’ll need to make an impact in 2020 to justify the move. Sanu hasn’t really stuck out in training camp, and hasn’t drawn much praise or criticism. But, Sanu is owed $6.5 million this season making it likely he’ll be on the roster. Similar to N’Keal Harry, I don’t expect Bill Belichick to jump ship on Sanu after only eight games last season.
ON THE ROSTER BUBBLE
Jakobi Meyers
Jakobi Meyers was the training camp darling last season, and scratched and clawed his way onto the 53-man roster as an undrafted rookie free agent. Many people expected Meyers to make an impact on the depleted receiving corp last season. But, Meyers only brought in 26 passes on 41 targets. Meyers struggled with getting on the same page with Tom Brady and only caught four passes in his last three regular season games. On top of his poor finish to last season, Meyers has not had a good training camp, thus far. Meyers needs to really step up in the next week or two if he wants to make the roster. At this point in time, I think he’s on the outside looking in as training camp heats up. If Meyers turns things around and shows some flashes like last training camp he can put himself in better position to make the 53-man roster.
Gunner Olszewski
Gunner Olszewski has really stood out in camp, and is really turning some heads. NESN’s Doug Kyed said that, “Olszewski has looked like the second best WR in camp behind Julian Edelman.” Even Bill Belichick has had some high praise for Olszewski, “Gunner’s improved tremendously. Again, both physically and from a football standpoint, he’s a smart kid, he works extremely hard. He’s tough, he’s very, very competitive.” That’s some high praise for Olszewski who made his way on the 53-man roster last season as an undrafted rookie from Bemidji State. However, before landing on injured reserve with an ankle and hamstring injury, Olszewski was used on special teams as a punt returner. But, this season could be different, I expect Olszewski out there catching passes along with being a contributor on special teams. He’s outplayed Meyers so far in training camp and his ability to be a factor in special teams gives him a leg up on the other receivers on the bubble.
Devin Ross
Devin Ross has come out of the woodwork in camp, and has put himself in position to have a chance for a roster spot. The Patriots signed Ross to their practice squad last October, and his name is gaining traction in camp. He’s been an active playmaker, and has been active catching the deep ball. Bill Belichick sounded very pleased with Ross thus far when he was asked about him, “I think that he’s improved from this year to last year. We’ll see how things go here, but yeah, he looks like he’s ready to go and ready to compete, and we’ll see how that all comes together.” Belichick also cited that he did not believe that Ross was healthy last season, and Ross seems healthier now. It might take an injury to get Ross on the 53-man roster, but he will certainly be in the conversation for a roster spot.
UNLIKELY TO MAKE THE ROSTER
Jeff Thomas
There was a lot of commotion surrounding Jeff Thomas entering training camp. Many had him pegged as an underrated candidate to steal a roster spot. Thomas came into camp as an undrafted rookie from the University of Miami. But, Thomas has been quiet this far and has missed some time in practice. He suffered a leg injury on Friday that has forced him to miss the last three practices. At this point, Thomas has not done enough to warrant a roster spot. He could be a practice squad candidate, or depending on the severity of his injury could be placed on injured reserved. If placed on injured reserve, the Patriots would retain his rights in 2021. So, Thomas may become a future project for the Patriots.
Will Hastings
Will Hastings was an undrafted rookie free agent signing out of Auburn. However, Hastings was originally released on July 26th, but he was resigned on July 28th. Hastings had a productive career at Auburn, and played well when Jarrett Stidham was his quarterback. Hastings has not really shined in training camp, so it seems like he truly is a long-shot to make the roster. Hastings would be a practice squad candidate.
Isaiah Zuber
Isaiah Zuber is in a similar situation as Will Hastings in regard to a roster spot. Zuber had a prolific college career as he caught 141 passes registering over 1,500 receiving yards at Kansas State and Mississippi State. But, with a plethora of options ahead of him, it’ll be tough for Zuber to get on the squad. However, he may have to compete with Hastings for a practice squad spot.
ROSTER PREDICTION
Julian Edelman
N’Keal Harry
Damiere Byrd
Mohamed Sanu
Gunner Olszewski