The Patriots ramp up their offseason workout program this week with mandatory minicamp.
And after minicamp concludes on June 11, the Patriots will be off until late July when training camp starts up.
All eyes will be on the players who were not present for OTAs, like cornerback Christian Gonzalez and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte.
Let’s kick things off with a question about Boutte.
@lespochesduco: How do you see the crowded WR shaking out? Especially now that it seems like Boutte wants to stay in NE?
Let’s break it down by category.
Roster locks: A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs
Brown and Doubs aren’t going anywhere. The Patriots just shipped off first- and fifth-round picks to the Eagles for Brown, and he’s their top offensive playmaker. Doubs signed a four-year, $68 million contract, and I’ve heard he’s had a strong spring overall during the offseason workout program.
Near-locks: Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams
I’d be very surprised if the Patriots moved on from Hollins or Williams this offseason, but crazier things have happened. Hollins projects as a potential starter next to Brown and Doubs. Williams also could take on a starting role if he takes a second-year leap.
Head coach Mike Vrabel recently told a story about Williams that was meant to be complimentary but did show that the 2025 third-round pick still has some inconsistencies to work through.
“Kyle, there was a drop yesterday that led to an interception,” Vrabel said. “Quick conversation with Kyle just saying, ‘Hey listen, that’s the first quarter. There’s nothing we can do about it. Hope the defense can hold them to a field goal.’ Shortly thereafter, he was able to create a 60-yard touchdown and make a hell of a catch. That’s why you practice and why you try to script the practices as similar to a game as you possibly can. It’s a long game, there are going to be mistakes that happen early on in the game. It’s how we respond to them, and it was really good to see Kyle do that. There are a lot of guys in there that are working hard, and hopefully Drake (Maye) just throws to whoever is open.”
Trade rumor subject: Kayshon Boutte
Boutte skipped voluntary OTAs but told WBZ’s Dan Roche he plans to be in attendance for minicamp. He also told Roche that he wants to spend the rest of his career with the Patriots. Boutte also eligible for a contract extension.
My take: I don’t think it’s worth trading a starting-caliber wide receiver like Boute for a future late-round pick. He showed impressive rapport with Maye last season and has the skill set to move around the Patriots’ offense. I’d let him compete with Hollins and Williams for the third starting role next to Brown and Doubs.
Competing: DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism
If the Patriots hold onto Brown, Doubs, Hollins, Williams and Boutte, then that’s five wide receivers. The Patriots typically keep six wide receivers, though they have rostered seven in the past.
Based on numbers, Douglas and Chism could be competing for one spot. Both players have had strong springs and have been targeted heavily.
Longshots: Nick DeGennaro, Kyle Dixon, Cameron Dorner, Jimmy Kibble, Jeremiah Webb
The first four players listed here are undrafted free agents. Webb was a UDFA last year.
Ultimately, it wouldn’t be shocking if Boutte was traded, but I feel as though it would be disappointing if all the Patriots can do is recoup their 2027 fifth-round pick.
@Pats5X712: Will they address the TE position ?
I think they’ll monitor it after watching free-agent addition Julian Hill suffer a season-ending knee injury during the offseason workout program.
As I’ve mentioned before, I view a player like Will Dissly as the best fit if the Patriots are looking for a receiving/blocking option. Players like Nick Vannett and John FitzPatrick are also still out there.
I don’t love the idea of adding a receiving tight end like Darren Waller, Zach Ertz or Jonnu Smith.
@frizzaud: going back 2-3 weeks on pats chat, you discussed Will Campbell compared to other rookie LTs. In terms of age, was will one of the youngest out of that group? Maybe I am naive but I factor in being 21 at a position that requires that much strength as a huge factor just from a human developmental stand point. What are your thoughts on how age plays into that position?
Age wasn’t part of my equation in that study, but I do believe it plays a factor.
Campbell said just last week, “I’m 22. So, I’m a long way from where I’m going to be in the future.”
The Patriots should certainly hope that’s the case after watching him struggle in the postseason. Campbell also said recently that he was rehabbing his knee, which he injured late in the 2025 regular season, five days a week to get it back up to full strength.
I believe the team really likes Campbell and will give him every opportunity to stay and thrive at left tackle.
@GoPatsGary: I’d like some news on how Jam Miller is doing. Hopeful he survives the cut after preseason.
The spring isn’t the best time to evaluate running backs since the sessions are unpadded. Miller hasn’t been getting a ton of opportunities with the first- or second-string offenses since Rhamondre Stevenson, TreVeyon Henderson and Lan Larison are getting opportunities in front of him.
It’s a very small sample size, but I’ve been a little bit more impressed with rookie UDFA Myles Montgomery through the three practices I’ve watched.
Ultimately, the preseason will be the best test as Larison, Miller, Montgomery and Terrell Jennings battle it out for the Patriots’ third running back spot.
It does kind of feel like the Patriots are playing with fire for not doing more at running back this offseason. They were in better shape last year when they had Stevenson, Henderson and Antonio Gibson. Injuries are common at running back, and the Patriots experienced one last year when Gibson went down. They were fortunate to still have Stevenson and Henderson.
If Stevenson or Henderson miss time, there are a lot of unknowns with the other running back options.
@Theodiesenhaus: Two very important football questions: What is your favorite tattoo? And is your full name Douglas?
I recently got a tattoo of a duck on the back of my forearm. It’s a traditional-style tattoo of a red-breasted merganser, a type of duck we see in the Cape Cod Canal during the winter.
One winter, my family named one of those ducks “Percy,” so every time we drive over the bridge to the Cape, we say hi to our daughter, Hallie, who passed away in 2024, and to Percy. Most of my tattoos have little to no meaning. That one does.
And yes, my full name is Douglas. I kind of want to start going by Douglas instead of Doug, but I think it’s too late.