FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- Quick-hit thoughts and notes around the New England Patriots and NFL:
1. WR logjam: Through seven training camp practices, the Patriots' most compelling storyline is their top seven receivers.
Would they consider keeping them all? Or is it a fait accompli that someone such as Kayshon Boutte -- a 2025 starter with a knack for tracking the deep ball who has been pushed down the depth chart -- gets traded to a receiver-needy team?
It's been a long time since New England has been so receiver-heavy, with 2007 probably the closest replica. Back then, it was Randy Moss, Wes Welker, Jabar Gaffney, Donte' Stallworth, Chad Jackson, Kelley Washington and Troy Brown.
This year, it's A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, DeMario "Pop" Douglas, Boutte, Kyle Williams, Mack Hollins and Efton Chism III.
It would be rare but not unprecedented for the Patriots to keep seven receivers. The Patriots initially kept eight last season before releasing Kendrick Bourne and eventually waiving Javon Baker and re-signing him to the practice squad.
That had them entering the 2025 season with six receivers, which is closer to the league average. Of the league's 32 teams, 13 had six receivers on their game-day rosters on opening weekend last season, according to Elias Sports Bureau. There were 18 teams with five receivers on their Week 1 game-day rosters, while the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks were the outlier with four receivers.
"I love having depth, but I would say that we're always going to try to look to improve, whether that's by adding draft capital, obtaining a player or keeping the guys we have," Patriots coach Mike Vrabel said.
Brown and Doubs have been the clear-cut starters in practice, which makes sense given the team's significant investment to bring them aboard -- Brown acquired for a 2028 first-round pick and 2027 fifth-round selection, and Doubs signed to a free agent contract averaging $17 million per season. Douglas has been the top slot-based option in three-receiver sets.
Patriots wide receiver DeMario "Pop" Douglas makes a catch at training camp. AP Photo/Charles Krupa Brown, Doubs and Douglas were the three receivers quarterback Drake Maye mentioned Friday when he shared how he balances throwing to Brown often while also spreading the wealth to others. He also included tight end Hunter Henry and running backs Rhamondre Stevenson and TreVeyon Henderson in his answer about how the Patriots' attack can put stress on a defense.