Patriots Insider Issues Bold Wide Receiver Prediction For 53-Man Roster

The New England Patriots have quite a bit of competition at wide receiver on their roster ahead of the 2025 campaign. Tough decisions are going to have to be made at this position soon, but one Patriots insider offered an interesting prediction with his latest 53-man roster projection.

Heading into training camp, Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, Demario Douglas and Kyle Williams seemed like locks for a roster spot. As camp has unfolded, Kayshon Boutte has also solidified his spot on the roster.

That leaves Javon Baker, Efton Chism III, Ja’Lynn Polk and Kendrick Bourne competing for what may only end up being one roster spot. In the wake of the Patriots’ 48-18 demolition of the Washington Commanders in their preseason opener, it seems like this competition may come down to Baker and Chism.

Both guys have had their moments in training camp, which is making things increasingly difficult for the coaching staff. If you ask Phil Perry of NBC Sports Boston, though, he has both guys making the team in his latest 53-man roster prediction.

“Baker made an impact on special teams with two tackles against Washington, and he received praise from Mike Vrabel for his efforts in that phase,” Perry wrote. “That could be his ticket to a roster spot after cornerback and special-teams regular Marcellas Dial suffered a torn ACL last week.”

“Chism, meanwhile, provides real quicker-than-fast slot-option depth behind Douglas. Chism also chipped in on special teams Friday with an 11-yard punt return and could back up Marcus Jones there.”

New England could try to sneak one of these players onto their practice squad, but the more solid tape they put together, the more unlikely that option becomes. Their other option would be to trade somebody away and get something in return.

For now, the Patriots are going to let this wide receiver battle continue to unfold, as they won’t be in a rush to make a decision until they have to. If Chism and Baker continue to stand out, though, the coaching staff may have no choice but to find a way to give them both a roster spot.