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New England Patriots

New England Patriots

L-R: New England Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster; DeVante Parker. (USA Today Sports)

The New England Patriots’ wide receiver depth chart looks different – better? – than expected.

Granted, the team still lacks a bona fide No. 1 pass-catching threat, the kind that dictates coverages and draws the level of attention that opens up the field for the guys below him. In theory, on paper, opposing defenses can still look at this receiving group and cover them man-to-man across the board, no extra attention necessary.

But that doesn’t mean it’s a bad group of pass-catchers. The Patriots have more than “nothing” or “nobody” in terms of weapons. They have a deep group of solid players. That’s what necessitated naming six guys to the initial 53-man roster in the first place. Kendrick Bourne, DeVante Parker, JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, Kayshon Boutte, and Demario Douglas are all worthy of rostering in the NFL.

ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 08: Kendrick Bourne #84 of the New England Patriots and Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots celebrate with DeVante Parker #1 of the New England Patriots after Parker's receiving touchdown during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images

Kendrick Bourne of the New England Patriots and Mac Jones of the New England Patriots celebrate with DeVante Parker after Parker’s receiving touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on Jan. 8, 2023. (Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

Combine that group with a good stable of tight ends and running backs, and you have enough weapons – for a great quarterback. If Mac Jones is great, the offense will be great. There’s enough here that we will be able to find out what Jones is and could be as a quarterback for the Patriots.

Frankly, that development is more important for the team than having enough wide receivers to compete with the class of the AFC. But this story is about the pass-catchers for the 2023 season. How, exactly, will they line up?


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Keep reading below for our projected depth charts at each receiver spot on the field – “X” and “Z” on the outside, “Y” in the slot – as well as a quick look at the tight ends and running backs…

  • “X” Outside Receiver

    ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 08: DeVante Parker #1 of the New England Patriots catches a touchdown pass over Kaiir Elam #24 of the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Timothy T Ludwig/Getty Images)
    Timothy T. Ludwig/Getty Images

    ORCHARD PARK, NY: DeVante Parker of the New England Patriots catches a touchdown pass over Kaiir Elam of the Buffalo Bills during a game at Highmark Stadium on Jan. 8, 2023. (Timothy T. Ludwig/Getty Images)

    DeVante Parker
    Kayshon Boutte
    Tyquan Thornton

    Parker is locked in as a starter at the “X,” and we’re expecting him to play virtually every snap, because he’s a staple in both two-receiver sets and three-receiver sets. Thornton will start the season on injured reserve, meaning the rookie Boutte is the only player that can really push Parker in this role.

    Despite Boutte’s strong summer, we’re still projecting him as at best the fourth or fifth option at wide receiver, and the No. 2 “X” behind Parker. If he sees significant snaps at that spot, that may mean Parker is injured.

    For the Patriots, the hope is Boutte can push for playing time just by being a better player.

  • “Y” Slot Receiver

    Aug 25, 2023; Nashville, Tennessee, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (7) catches passes during warmups before the game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports
    Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports

    Aug. 25, 2023; Nashville, TN: New England Patriots wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster catches a pass during warmups before a preseason game against the Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium. (Christopher Hanewinckel-USA TODAY Sports)

    JuJu Smith-Schuster
    Demario Douglas
    Kendrick Bourne

    Smith-Schuster has appeared in the headlines in recent days, and not for the reasons he would want. He shot down a report by NFL insider and frequent 98.5 The Sports Hub guest

    Here's the video: "Underrated storyline is that Smith-Schuster's knee is a mess" and could explode at any point," pic.twitter.com/vSYVieoMTY

    — Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) September 4, 2023" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Albert Breer on NBC Sports Boston about his knee being a “mess” in a recent interview with Karen Guregian at MassLive.

    But even if Smith-Schuster’s knee is at less than 100 percent, that hasn’t kept him off the field since he made his first appearance at training camp. He’s projected to play the slot on most snaps, and we wouldn’t be surprised if he led the team in targets – assuming health. It’s unclear how explosive he still is, especially after the catch, but he’ll be counted on to help move the chains and make series/drives more manageable.

    Douglas, meanwhile, projects as mainly an inside receiver, due to his 5-foot-8 frame. But he’s shown enough so far that he should push for snaps at any spot on the field. Bourne played 47.6 percent of snaps in the slot last season (per Rotowire), so he should continue to be in the mix inside as well.

  • “Z” Outside Receiver

    Aug 19, 2023; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) catches a pass against Green Bay Packers corner back Rasul Douglas (29) in the first quarter at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
    Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

    Green Bay, WI; Aug. 19, 2023: New England Patriots wide receiver Kendrick Bourne (84) catches a pass against Green Bay Packers cornerback Rasul Douglas (29) during a preseason game at Lambeau Field. (Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports)

    Kendrick Bourne
    Kayshon Boutte
    Demario Douglas
    Tyquan Thornton

    Bourne has rekindled his chemistry with Mac Jones, which goes all the way back to the quarterback’s rookie year in 2021. Thus, he has emerged as Jones’ most trusted target, the guy who will get a lot of looks in those crunch-time, gotta-have-it situations. And as the primary “Z,” he’ll accomplish that while lining up all over the field and being used in a variety of ways.

    Boutte remains the Next Man Up™ on the outside, so we’re putting him right behind Bourne, just as he is right behind Parker. But don’t be surprised if Douglas finds his way on the field at this spot, too.

  • Tight Ends And Running Backs

    Aug 10, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry (85) warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports
    Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

    Aug. 10, 2023; Foxborough, MA: New England Patriots tight end Hunter Henry warms up before a preseason game against the Houston Texans at Gillette Stadium. (Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)

    The 2023 Patriots offense isn’t about just the wide receivers. There’s a full, deep pass-catching group at all skill positions. They’re expecting a lot out of both their tight ends and their running backs in the passing game.

    Hunter Henry remains the lead dog at TE, and should see the most snaps. He’s their most proven, established pass-catcher at the position and clearly has the best rapport with Mac Jones. Mike Gesicki has the size (6-foot-6) and skill (legitimate jump-ball ability) that no one else on the roster has, but he’s the No. 2 option.

    Pharoah Brown, who recently signed to the 53-man roster, has familiarity with O’Brien, while practice squad TE Matt Sokol is mainly a blocker. Sokol will get the call-up in gameplans that would involve added pass protection and run-blocking.

    LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 18: Rhamondre Stevenson #38 of the New England Patriots rushes for a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on December 18, 2022 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Chris Unger/Getty Images)
    Chris Unger/Getty Images

    Rhamondre Stevenson of the New England Patriots runs for a touchdown against the Las Vegas Raiders at Allegiant Stadium on Dec. 18, 2022. (Chris Unger/Getty Images)

    As for the running backs, Rhamondre Stevenson is still the clear top guy out of the backfield. It remains to be seen how Ezekiel Elliott will mix in, but we’re projecting him to have a big role on passing downs and be able to spell Stevenson on the ground.

    Ty Montgomery, meanwhile, is a total wild card. He’s listed on the official roster as a wide receiver, but could be used a lot out of the backfield. But either way, if and when Montgomery plays, he’ll be involved purely as a pass-catcher.

  • Full Lineup Projections

    ORCHARD PARK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 08: Kendrick Bourne #84 of the New England Patriots and Mac Jones #10 of the New England Patriots celebrate with DeVante Parker #1 of the New England Patriots after Parker's receiving touchdown during the second quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on January 08, 2023 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)
    Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images

    Kendrick Bourne of the New England Patriots and Mac Jones of the New England Patriots celebrate with DeVante Parker after Parker’s receiving touchdown against the Buffalo Bills at Highmark Stadium on Jan. 8, 2023. (Bryan M. Bennett/Getty Images)

    To start the season, on most three-receiver snaps, you can expect the X, Y, and Z to line up just how they did in these depth charts: Parker, Smith-Schuster, and Bourne from left to right. And if they go to a four-receiver set, Douglas emerged as the No. 4 option over the course of camp.

    However, Boutte projects as more of a perimeter threat than Douglas, although the latter lined up in different spots on the field. But if injuries come up with a veteran, it’ll be interesting to see who comes on the field as the first replacement.

    As far as the overall offense and defense, check out our complete lineup projections for the 2023 season.

  • Click here for complete New England Patriots coverage at 985TheSportsHub.com.

    Matt Dolloff is a writer and podcaster for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Yell at him on Twitter @mattdolloff and follow him on Instagram @realmattdolloff. Check out all of Matt’s content here.

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