The Patriots ramp up their offseason workout program this week with mandatory minicamp.<\/p>\n
And after minicamp concludes on June 11, the Patriots will be off until late July when training camp starts up.<\/p>\n
All eyes will be on the players who were not present for OTAs, like cornerback Christian Gonzalez and wide receiver Kayshon Boutte.<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s kick things off with a question about Boutte.<\/p>\n
@lespochesduco: How do you see the crowded WR shaking out? Especially now that it seems like Boutte wants to stay in NE?<\/p>\n
Let\u2019s break it down by category.<\/p>\n
Roster locks: A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs<\/p>\n
Brown and Doubs aren\u2019t going anywhere. The Patriots just shipped off<\/a> first- and fifth-round picks to the Eagles for Brown, and he\u2019s their top offensive playmaker. Doubs signed a four-year<\/a>, $68 million contract, and I\u2019ve heard he\u2019s had a strong spring overall during the offseason workout program.<\/p>\n Near-locks: Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams<\/p>\n I\u2019d be very surprised if the Patriots moved on from Hollins or Williams this offseason, but crazier things have happened. Hollins projects as a potential starter next to Brown and Doubs. Williams also could take on a starting role if he takes a second-year leap.<\/p>\n Head coach Mike Vrabel recently told a story about Williams that was meant to be complimentary but did show that the 2025 third-round pick still has some inconsistencies to work through.<\/p>\n \u201cKyle, there was a drop yesterday that led to an interception,\u201d Vrabel said. \u201cQuick conversation with Kyle just saying, \u2018Hey listen, that\u2019s the first quarter. There\u2019s nothing we can do about it. Hope the defense can hold them to a field goal.\u2019 Shortly thereafter, he was able to create a 60-yard touchdown and make a hell of a catch. That\u2019s why you practice and why you try to script the practices as similar to a game as you possibly can. It\u2019s a long game, there are going to be mistakes that happen early on in the game. It\u2019s how we respond to them, and it was really good to see Kyle do that. There are a lot of guys in there that are working hard, and hopefully Drake (Maye) just throws to whoever is open.\u201d<\/p>\n Trade rumor subject: Kayshon Boutte<\/p>\n Boutte skipped voluntary OTAs but told<\/a> WBZ\u2019s Dan Roche he plans to be in attendance for minicamp. He also told Roche that he wants to spend the rest of his career with the Patriots. Boutte also eligible for a contract extension.<\/p>\n My take: I don\u2019t think it\u2019s worth trading a starting-caliber wide receiver like Boute for a future late-round pick. He showed impressive rapport with Maye last season and has the skill set to move around the Patriots\u2019 offense. I\u2019d let him compete with Hollins and Williams for the third starting role next to Brown and Doubs.<\/p>\n Competing: DeMario Douglas, Efton Chism<\/p>\n If the Patriots hold onto Brown, Doubs, Hollins, Williams and Boutte, then that\u2019s five wide receivers. The Patriots typically keep six wide receivers, though they have rostered seven in the past.<\/p>\n Based on numbers, Douglas and Chism could be competing for one spot. Both players have had strong springs and have been targeted heavily.<\/p>\n Longshots: Nick DeGennaro, Kyle Dixon, Cameron Dorner, Jimmy Kibble, Jeremiah Webb<\/p>\n The first four players listed here are undrafted free agents. Webb was a UDFA last year.<\/p>\n Ultimately, it wouldn\u2019t be shocking if Boutte was traded, but I feel as though it would be disappointing if all the Patriots can do is recoup their 2027 fifth-round pick.<\/p>\n @Pats5X712: Will they address the TE position ?<\/p>\n I think they\u2019ll monitor it after watching free-agent addition Julian Hill suffer a season-ending knee injury during the offseason workout program.<\/p>\n As I\u2019ve mentioned before, I view a player like Will Dissly as the best fit if the Patriots are looking for a receiving\/blocking option. Players like Nick Vannett and John FitzPatrick are also still out there.<\/p>\n I don\u2019t love the idea of adding a receiving tight end like Darren Waller, Zach Ertz or Jonnu Smith.<\/p>\n @frizzaud: going back 2-3 weeks on pats chat, you discussed Will Campbell compared to other rookie LTs. In terms of age, was will one of the youngest out of that group? Maybe I am naive but I factor in being 21 at a position that requires that much strength as a huge factor just from a human developmental stand point. What are your thoughts on how age plays into that position?<\/p>\n Age wasn\u2019t part of my equation in that study<\/a>, but I do believe it plays a factor.<\/p>\n