The Patriots are at the moment sitting with a surplus of huge receivers on their 53-man roster.
After signing Jalen Reagor to the 53-man roster, the Patriots are sitting with seven huge receivers on their energetic roster. That’s resulting in some questions from followers about what the group has deliberate for the long run.
Let’s get into questions on JuJu Smith-Schuster, Tyquan Thornton, future wants and extra on this week’s mailbag.
@STwithScott
Is there any indication Juju can be used extra? Any factor on the Patriots pursuing receiver assist earlier than the commerce deadline?
I feel, if something, there’s a sign that Smith-Schuster can be used much less.
Smith-Schuster performs the “Z” and slot roles within the Patriots’ offense. They can’t take Kendrick Bourne, their major “Z” receiver, off of the sphere. He’s their most constant go catcher. If something, rookie slot receiver Demario Douglas has solely earned extra snaps after final week’s win over the Bills.
Then the Patriots nonetheless have to determine spots and snaps for DeVante Parker, their beginning “X” receiver, Reagor, who minimize into Parker’s snaps final week and was signed to the 53-man roster this week, Tyquan Thornton, who performed restricted snaps final week within the “Z” position, and Kayshon Boutte, one other “X” receiver who has been a wholesome scratch since Week 1.
It feels unlikely that the Patriots would costume greater than 5 huge receivers. Boutte looks as if a protected guess to proceed to be inactive. Then the group has to determine on another inactive between Parker, Reagor, Thornton and Smith-Schuster. Thornton feels just like the more than likely possibility based mostly on his snap rely final week.
Then once more, Douglas and Smith-Schuster have been each restricted all through final week in concussion protocol. Douglas performed, and Smith-Schuster didn’t. We’ll maintain a detailed eye on inactives Sunday to search out out which two receivers sit.
As for a possible commerce, I don’t actually see it. I do know Raiders huge receiver Hunter Renfrow seems like a very good match on paper, however the identical was mentioned about his play model in Josh McDaniels’ offense, and that has been a catastrophe. The Patriots additionally have already got a less expensive slot possibility in Douglas, who you don’t need to take off of the sphere.
@KaratesBadBoy31
Has Jalen Reagor actually been THAT good in practices?
I had heard even earlier than his Week 2 elevation that he had been spectacular in follow and that his velocity was actually leaping out to the group.
So, sure. I nonetheless need to see him contribute with multiple catch earlier than I imagine he’ll make a serious impression, but it surely’s value seeing if he can add some big-play potential whereas chopping into Parker’s snaps.
@Dcon64
Why can’t Tyquan Thornton get open or have an precise position, looks as if Reagor has already handed him on the depth chart
It’s clever to mood any expectations for Thornton.
He performed 25 snaps and caught one 6-yard go on two targets in his season debut Week 6. And then he performed three snaps in Week 7.
And yeah, they play barely totally different roles, but it surely does seem to be Reagor handed him on the depth chart. It is simpler to search out taking part in time on the “X” position, the place Parker performs, moderately than chopping into Bourne’s snaps within the “Z” place, although.
There’s actually no assure that Thornton will even be energetic in Week 8.
@DomDoesNFL
Hey Doug, as all the time hope you’re doing nicely.
During the low season Deandre Hopkins came over, with all of the rumors of his availability, do you see the Patriots taking one other swing at buying him?
I really had this thought after the Titans traded Kevin Byard, however I might be very stunned. The time to accumulate him was earlier than they began the season 2-5.
@heardjuuhomie
Have they realized throwing it to Mondre is vital to success but or not
It is certainly good to get the operating backs extra concerned within the passing sport.
Throwing to Stevenson wasn’t a really environment friendly play previous to Week 8, nonetheless. Take out Stevenson’s 32-yard catch and run in Week 7, and he’s averaging simply 5.9 yards per catch.
@AdamHBeasley
Will they beat the Dolphins?
Good query right here from a Miami-based reporter.
I’d throw it again at you, Adam, and ask, “Is Tyreek Hill playing?”
It looks like something is on the desk after final week’s win over the Bills, however I’d nonetheless predict a Dolphins victory.
@Mark_1878_
Looking ahead to the 2024 season. What is a larger precedence within the draft/free company, go safety or offensive weapons? #MailDoug
Quarterback is No. 1 till Mac Jones continues to show that final Sunday’s efficiency was for actual.
Then I’d put go safety No. 2 and offensive playmakers No. 3.
Source: www.bostonherald.com