One Patriots Unit Ranked Near Bottom Of League By Experts

NFL preseason is about one month away, and rosters are beginning to take shape. The New England Patriots play their first preseason game on August 8, and while the veterans may not play right away, players will fight for spots on the depth chart.

One unit that the Patriots will look for players to step up in is the pass catchers. Pro Football Focus recently ranked the top wide receiver corps in the league, and ranked New England at 31st.

While the ranking may seem harsh, the Patriots don’t have a ton of high-end options.

Stefon Diggs was once one of the best receivers in the league, but he is coming off a torn ACL. He also spent some of the off-season on a boat, which raised questions.

The team brought in Mack Hollins in free agency. Hollins is a solid receiver, but he never operated as a true number one option with Buffalo. Kendrick Bourne is similarly talented, but lacks the ceiling of an alpha on the outside.

Pop Douglas has shown flashes, but some see him as more of a gadget player than a legitimate downfield weapon. Kayshon Boutte has been inconsistent but has shown talent as well.

Kyle Williams will have high expectations after the team spent a third-round pick on him. If he proves to be an NFL-caliber receiver, the group’s ranking will rise. If not, Ja’Lynn Polk or Javon Baker could be turned to for meaningful snaps. Neither of the young receivers performed well in their rookie season, but they could step up after a full season in the pros.

Drake Maye and Mike Vrabel will have to find receiving options to move the ball better than last year. The team ranked 30th in points per game last season and 28th in yards per pass attempt.