Position Battles: Wide Receiver

The wide receiver position raises more questions than expected. It might be the deepest position on the roster at the moment, but who knows who makes the roster with all of these talented veterans around. With Julian Edelman out for the first 4 weeks, it raises even more questions. I don’t think there’s any question about him or Hogan on this team, but after that who knows who will stick around and make an impact.

Malcolm Mitchell – Mitchell seems like the most clear cut candidate for the third spot. He’s been on the team for a few years, and he knows the system as well as has some trust already from Tom Brady. He is definitely a very talented receiver, a very good route runner and has great hands. His only question is his reliability to stay on the field. He has been injured every year, and did not play at all last year. If he can come back and stay healthy, he might just be the next big threat in New England.

Jordan Matthews – The Pats always make moves like this where they sign a veteran receiver. Usually, they don’t stay on the roster. Lets look back at Nate Washington, Reggie Wayne, and many others to name. However, I think Matthews has a better shot at becoming a Brandon Lafell like player. He does not have a huge impact, but he has a few games that he blows up and makes an impact. He is also definitely talented, it’s just a matter of him gaining Brady’s trust.

Kenny Britt – This might be that veteran guy that does not stay on the roster. He looks like he might be the next Michael Floyd Britt would be a good red zone option if Gronk were to have left, but that didn’t happen. Britt is just a receiver with a very large frame who has never lived up to his hype. He was disappointing with the Titans, had one good year with the Rams, and wasn’t even good in Cleveland. If one guy gets hurt maybe they keep Britt, but if he even makes it he might be the fat cut off the meat when Edelman comes back.

Phillip Dorsett – If Kenny Britt was disappointing, then words don’t describe Dorsett. He had one huge catch in the AFC Championship, and that’s about it. If they need to cut bait with one of these guys, he should be the easy choice. We do need to keep a spot for Matthew Slater right? He is more impactful than Dorsett. Maybe he surprises us, but I think he is the most likely to go.

Cordarrelle Patterson – An interesting free agent sigining, I think Patterson is a great fit for the Pats. He is not going to be an every game playmaker, but he is a weapon that the Pats will find a way to use to their advantage. His return ability alone is something the Pats need, losing Amendola and Lewis as return guys. The Pats will sneak him in situations that he is going to make a big play here and there with his gamebreaking speed. Patterson should stay.

Braxton Berrios – This guy might step up big in Edelman’s absence. That’s a bold prediction for a sixth round pick, but I think this guy has a home here. They need an underneath threat, and running backs like James White can’t be the only option with Jules out. Mitchell might be able to do it, but most of these guys don’t have the YAC ability that this guy has. He can run those quick underneath routes, and if he finds himself on the active roster come week one, we might have the next talented slot receiver here.

-Jake Kobierski