FOXBORO — The competition at wide receiver in New England this summer should be fast and furious.
With 12 wideouts on the Patriots’ 91-man roster currently fighting for six spots and a few of those slots up for grabs, we’re keeping a dedicated eye on how the battle goes.
On Day 2 of training camp, the Patriots emphasized short and intermediate routes for much of the 11-on-11 periods. Quick game stuff.
The best catch of the day came from DeMario Douglas on a short pass toward the left sideline that Douglas went into full extension to pluck. It was a nice grab by the third-year player, who — if there’s an emphasis on underneath and intermediate routes this season — will be in a pivotal role.
Stefon Diggs made the first two grabs in 11-on-11 during the unpadded and somewhat brief practice. His second catch, a short rollout to Drake Maye’s left, was well-scripted and well-executed.
Maye’s accuracy throughout the first two days with no threat of a whacking has been very good. Same goes for his speed in getting the ball out on time.
Through the first two days, there’s a pecking order among the group that’s emerging. Call this the pole position, because it could change as the race unfolds, but it goes:
- Stefon Diggs
- DeMario Douglas
- Kendrick Bourne
- Kyle Williams
- Kayshon Boutte
All five are working with the presumed first offense at the outset of 11-on-11 reps.
Undrafted rookie Efton Chism III and second-year player Javon Baker are almost exclusively working with the backups. Ja’Lynn Polk still hasn’t gotten on the field, nor has free agent acquisition Mack Hollins.
Hollins’ position is likely secure for the 53-man roster. The positions of Polk, Baker and Chism are not. (Yes, I’m throwing an anchor out on Chism given where he’s working at this juncture).
