The New England Patriots' training camp will open in a few weeks, and the competition will begin to make the team's 53-man roster. While the team is thin at positions like edge, tight end, and guard, there are camp bodies to fill those spots and maybe stick around if additions aren't forthcoming.
One position that's in great hands is the No. 1 wide receiver spot occupied by newly acquired A.J. Brown. And ESPN's Mike Reiss has ESPN Analytics spotlighting Brown in a very favorable manner.
The greatest beneficiary of Brown's addition will definitely be now third-year quarterback Drake Maye. He only just missed being voted the 2025 MVP, and the addition of Brown can't help but get him closer to achieving that top NFL award.
The only offensive impediments are the weak tight end position mentioned and the always-critical offensive line, which surrendered far too many sacks, hits, and pressures on the young quarterback.
ESPN's Analytics place A.J. Brown in rarified company
Reiss cited the network's analytics projection of what A.J. Brown could mean for Drake Maye and the Patriots' 2026 offense.
"ESPN Analytics can help project what receiver A.J. Brown might bring to the Patriots in 2026, as it uses player-tracking data from NFL Next Gen Stats to evaluate every route a pass catcher runs and scores his performance in three phases -- getting open, catching the ball and running after catch.
Of the 110 wide receivers evaluated last season, Brown was ranked in the top 16 in all three categories, joining the Rams' Puka Nacua as the only other wideout to be ranked that highly across the board. And that was in what some called a "down" year for Brown."
Being linked with Puka Nacua in three key receiving traits signifies elite receiver status, not that there was any need for any reminder in Patriot Nation. The trade for Brown was one of the most anticipated in decades, if ever for the team. It signals an elite receiver and one who'll immediately upgrade the Patriots' passing game.
Teamed with Drake Maye, the NFL's best passer, Romeo Doubs, a very capable No. 2 receiver, and Mack Hollins, Kayshon Boutte, and tight end Hunter Henry, the Patriots will have an elite passing game.
Of course, as always, that will depend, to a certain extent, on the effectiveness of the offensive line.
With four starters from 2025's porous group returning as starters, that situation is a question mark, no matter how it's sugar-coated. And injuries can also be an unfortunate equalizer.
Regardless, adding a receiver of A.J. Brown's caliber is a major addition to Maye's arsenal. He gets open, catches everything, and he'll take the ball places after the catch. With a quarterback like Maye, that can only signal big-time 2026 yardage for both.
The Patriots have taken their receiving corps to a new elite level by adding Brown and Doubs as their top two receivers. Expect Maye to take full advantage, whether or not the offensive line gives him time. He can also run, of course, if he has to.
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