Pats Pulpit
The latest edition of our Patriots mailbag answers questions about the wide receiver room, draft class, and more.
The NFL Draft is officially in the rearview as the New England Patriots earned strong remarks after adding 11 players. Now, the work returns to Gillette Stadium as the offseason program continues and OTAs are in the distant future.
So, let’s talk about it all and get right into this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag.
What about a trade for a WR:
That’s Kayshon Boutte. So wouldn’t that make him the most valuable trade asset in the WR room (and likeliest to be gone by Week 1)? - Flutie_Should_Have_Started_12-11-88
The Patriots roster currently has 12 wide receivers, so some significant roster movement will take place over the next few months. From this point of view, a healthy Stefon Diggs, who is not expected to be on the field this spring, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and Pop Douglas enter the offseason program atop the depth chart. That leaves Boutte, Kendrick Bourne, Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker, and Efton Chism as the top projected options to fight over one or potentially two spots.
While Boutte was one of the more productive receivers on last year’s roster, a change in coaching staffs and scheme may leave better fits elsewhere — such as Kendrick Bourne, who had a career-year in 2021 with Josh McDaniels, or Ja’Lynn Polk, who was still a second-round pick last season. Multiple reports before the NFL Draft that Boutte could be on the move also don’t project well for his future in Foxboro.
Boutte could profile as a low-volume X-receiver in Josh McDaniels’ offense, but the production last year at 23 years old would likely lead to him having the most trade value of the bubble players. One team that would make plenty of sense as a potential partner for Boutte or any receiver: the Dallas Cowboys.
How about something simple...who was your favorite udfa signing? And which one, if different from your favorite, has the best chance of making the roster? - PatsHowYouDoIt
The Patriots have a really fun and intriguing UDFA class — especially on the offensive side of the ball. Speaking of receiver,
my favorite is Eastern Washington’s Efton Chism III. Chism got on many people’s radar after an awesome week at the Shrine Bowl (where he was a late addition). He is everything you’d expect in a typical Josh McDaniels slot receiver.
As for the one with the best chance to make the roster, Brock Lampe is at the top of the list as he’s at the top of the fullback depth chart by default.
I’d also take a look at the tight ends. C.J. Dippre had a case to be drafted and would be a good complement to Hunter Henry and Austin Hooper due to his in-line blocking...
