Patriots training camp Week 1: Predicting final roster

Wide receivers (5): Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, Chris Hogan, Aaron Dobson, Malcolm Mitchell

Practice squad: Devin Lucien, Chris Harper

Cut: Nate Washington, Keshawn Martin, DeAndre Carter

Naturally, Edelman and Amendola are givens. They are about the only sure bets among a crowded receiving corps; after those two, it’s anyone’s guess as to how this will all play out. However, this writer is a firm believer that the Patriots won’t cut Hogan after giving him a hefty contract this offseason. In addition, Mitchell projects as one of the more underrated receivers in his class having been one of the most lethal pass catchers in the SEC (when healthy). As for Dobson, well, this is his last chance, and since he always seems to impress in training camp, we’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.

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Lucien’s sure hands will shine in training camp and the preseason, pretty much forcing the Pats to keep him on the practice squad. Harper will stand out in August for the second year in a row, which will translate into a practice squad berth. However, the veteran Washington won’t be able to outduel his younger competitors, Martin will fall by the wayside, and Carter is too short and too unproven for the Pats to prioritize him over Mitchell, Lucien and Harper.

Next: TEs (3)