WIDE RECEIVER
This one appears to be completely up for grabs, especially with Julian Edelman sidelined through September. Chris Hogan is Tom Brady's most trusted target among the receivers. He was efficient in the red zone a year ago and can play on the perimeter as well as inside. He'll be an every-down contributor.
The Pats signed Kenny Britt to a two-year deal this past December for a reason. They wanted to get a look at him in the offseason. And prior to a hamstring pull in minicamp, Britt looked excellent. He will open on the PUP list, but he isn't expected to miss much time. At 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, Britt is a massive target on the outside. Brady hasn't had that type of receiver in a long time. Matthew Slater and Cordarrelle Patterson are locks to make the team due to their special-teams abilities. Patterson could carve out a niche on offense. The Vikings and Raiders used Patterson on jet-sweeps, wide receiver screens, and conventional hand-offs. Patterson is exceptional with the ball in his hands, so we'll see if Josh McDaniels finds creative ways to utilize him.
Phillip Dorsett and Jordan Matthews are in the mix, too. Matthews led the NFL with 2,389 receiving yards from the slot from 2014-2016. His size (6foot-3, 205 pounds) could bring a new element to the Patriots at the slot position, which typically has been manned by smaller, shiftier players. Dorsett is an intriguing prospect because of his elite speed. By all accounts, he's enjoyed a productive offseason. Then there's rookie Braxton Berrios and second-year pro Riley McCarron, two traditional slot receivers. Can all these players make the squad? Of course not.
Even with Malcolm Mitchell seemingly on his way out of Foxboro, other talented receivers will be moved. The Pats can't keep everybody.