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Patriots: 53-man roster projection after win over Eagles

By Jerry Trotta

PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 19: Mac Jones #10, Rhamondre Stevenson #38 , and Korey Cunningham #74 of the New England Patriots react against the Philadelphia Eagles in the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 19, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Patriots defeated the Eagles 35-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)
PHILADELPHIA, PA - AUGUST 19: Mac Jones #10, Rhamondre Stevenson #38 , and Korey Cunningham #74 of the New England Patriots react against the Philadelphia Eagles in the preseason game at Lincoln Financial Field on August 19, 2021 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. The Patriots defeated the Eagles 35-0. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /
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Patriots WR Jakobi Meyers (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images) /

Wide Receivers (6)

Jakobi Meyers, Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne, Matthew Slater, Gunner Olszewski, Kristian Wilkerson

Belichick isn’t known for keeping more than five WRs on the roster, and the Patriots will at least start the year with that many. However…we’re prepared to bump that slightly.

Jakobi Meyers, Nelson Agholor, Kendrick Bourne and Matthew Slater are all roster locks, and it’ll be interesting to see who gets the final spot, or whether Belichick chooses to go above and beyond. In our eyes, Gunner Olszewski’s versatility as an intermediate WR and special teams returner gives him a slight edge over Kristian Wilkerson.

Having said that, Wilkerson, despite some drops, has made an impact in the preseason, hauling in six catches for 75 yards in the two games.

While Wilkerson doesn’t offer enough value on special teams to supplant Olszewski, the former undrafted free agent could force Belichick to keep a sixth receiver on the roster if he shows out against the Giants in Week 3.

As for N’Keal Harry, well, he’s already been ruled out for Week 1, so expect him to start the year on injured reserve if he isn’t traded.

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