The Patriots' wide receivers were a problem in 2024 in the worst way. Pop Douglas and Kayshon Boutte showed promise in leading the group, but most of the other players at the position were non-factors.
Kendrick Bourne had 305 yards in 10 games as the WR3, and draft picks Ja'Lynn Polk and Javon Baker showed precious little, combining for 99 receiving yards. Free agent K.J. Osborn, who was thought to be a potential contributor, was cut after the trade deadline.
Thankfully, the team addressed the issue in 2025, signing Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins, while additionally drafting Kyle Williams in the third round from Washington State, a widely popular pick in both the Patriots and NFL communities.
There's little doubt the unit improved on paper. The issue is that despite the improvements, some ambiguity remains as to which players will truly perform. Pro Football Network agrees, as they listed the wide receivers as the biggest question mark entering the 2025 season.
There might be reasons for doubt that Patriots fans aren't considering
Let's work down the list of wideouts. Each has reason for fans to get excited about them, but at the same time, there's reason to believe each could flop in 2025. Starting with Diggs, there's no doubt he's an alpha. He's had 1,000 receiving yards each year from 2018 to 2023, and was on pace for a thousand before tearing his ACL with Houston last year.
However great he's been, players coming off an ACL tear who are soon to be 32 don't have a great track record of elite production. While Diggs will be a focal point and has the opportunity to bounce back from his injury, there is reason for skeptics to be worried.
Hollins and Bourne are consistent veterans, but they combined for 59 catches last season in limited opportunities. Nonetheless, each had their best career seasons under Josh McDaniels. Douglas has shown some consistency, with 66 catches and at least two in all but one game in 2024.
Boutte has been subject to trade talks, but he had a solid 589 yards last year, 240 of which came in the final three games. The former LSU five-star is still only 23.
For Polk and Baker, the standards they set during their rookie seasons are so low that the only way they can go is up. Finally comes Kyle Williams, and as hyped as the rookie is, he's unproven in the NFL. He recorded 1,198 yards and 14 touchdowns during his final season at Washington State.
There will be a lot of competition for the final roster during training camp
Another name to look out for is UDFA Efton Chism III, who had 1,311 yards in his final year for Eastern Washington from 120 catches. While he is a long shot, he only further adds to the potential unit.
There's no doubt the group has potential. Diggs is the WR1, while Hollins and Bourne are veterans with experience. The other five players mentioned are 24 or younger. If the Patriots can get the most out of their young players, this could be a very encouraging group.
With Drake Maye having a full offseason under his belt and McDaniels the play caller, the development of the wideouts seems imminent.
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