Despite several improvements during the latest NFL offseason, many remain doubtful about the New England Patriots’ performance at the wide receiver position in 2024.
Pro Football Focus recently released their WR core rankings, comparing each unit across the league, and the Patriots did not receive a favorable assessment.
When evaluated against the NFL’s pass-catching talent, the Patriots ranked last, placing as the 32nd-best receiving corps.
“The Patriots had the 28th-ranked receiving corps by PFF grade last year. Their highest-graded pass-catcher was tight end Pharaoh Brown, who has since departed. The team’s second- and third-highest-graded receivers in 2023 were Demario Douglas and Hunter Henry. Rookies Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker are expected to get significant playing time early on. Additionally, New England brought in running back Antonio Gibson, who is a capable pass-catcher. Ultimately, this is a low-ceiling group for 2024. However, the long-term outlook is decent,” wrote Trevor Sikkema of PFF.
The Patriots’ wide receiver core had a difficult season. For the first time in more than 30 years, there was no pass catcher on the New England roster who gained more than 600 receiving yards.
The primary causes of this team’s eventual collapse in 2023 were a string of long-term injuries sustained by numerous weapons and erratic quarterback play. However, there is a lot more cause for hope with this next campaign.
When the time comes for third-overall pick Drake Maye to start under center, the choices made by Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker in the draft this past April offer two young, highly-ceiling possibilities for him to flourish alongside. Even though it might take two to three years for these new weapons to completely mature.
Kendrick Bourne and JuJu Smith-Schuster are set to return to the lineup after dealing with injuries in 2023.
Smith-Schuster reported at OTAs that he is now “100% healthy” and ready for the season after overcoming knee issues, while Bourne is set to participate in training camp following an ACL tear that ended his previous season.
Both players have shown in past seasons that they can be effective when given opportunities, so their return is a significant boost for New England’s offense.
Adding to this, a full offseason of development for last year’s leading receiver, Demario Douglas, could set the stage for a breakout sophomore season, potentially surprising many with the New England WR corps in 2024.
If the quarterback play remains more consistent than last year, New England will have several reliable options to distribute the ball to, aiming for a more efficient and capable offense.
While the Patriots may not boast an elite offensive lineup like the San Francisco 49ers or Miami Dolphins, there is substantial potential for them to improve and exceed their current ranking as the league’s worst WR corps in 2024.
