Training camp is all about battles and growing, and that will be no different when the curtain rises on the Patriots' camp next week. While some guys like Drake Maye and Rhamondre Stevenson have their roles solidified, others like Kendrick Bourne will be battling for jobs.
The wide receiver battle, featuring Bourne, is certainly one of the top ones to watch. The Patriots' wide receiver group was one of the worst in the NFL a year ago, and Eliot Wolf reconstructed it in the offseason with the signings of Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins and the drafting of Kyle Williams.
Diggs, Hollins, DeMario Douglas, and Williams appear to be locks for roster spots, so assuming the Patriots carry six wide receivers, that leaves only two spots open, thus no margin for error for guys like Bourne, Ja'Lynn Polk, Kayshon Boutte, or Javon Baker.
Position battles to watch out for at Patriots' training camp
1. Which receivers stay and go
Bourne needs to have an outstanding training camp and preseason to stay around. He's been marred by injuries and inconsistency since having a career year in his first year with the Patriots in 2021. Maybe the return of Josh McDaniels as offensive coordinator will spark him a bit. Boutte was one of Maye's favorite deep threats last season, and that leaves Polk, Baker, and Efton Chism.
Chism is the hybrid type of player who could make the team as a special-teams standout, and the organization probably isn't ready to give up on Polk or Baker after just one year. Mike Vrabel is going to have some tough decisions to make come the end of August, but my prediction is Diggs, Douglas, Hollins, Williams, Polk, and Bourne.
2. Can Henderson supplant Gibson as the No. 2 running back?
Stevenson is clearly the Patriots' starter at running back, and he's eager to prove that his 2024 campaign was merely a bump in the road. That leaves rookie TreVeyon Henderson and veteran Antonio Gibson dueling for the right to be the No. 2 guy behind Stevenson.
The Patriots brought in Henderson because of his versatility and explosiveness, and he has the potential to be a 1,000-yard rusher in the NFL, while Gibson is primarily a receiving back. Gibson was one of the offense's few bright spots last season, and the combined veteran presence he and Stevenson provide will help Henderson grow.
My guess is that Henderson takes the No. 2 slot, and Gibson is used primarily in passing and third-down situations, but this is a battle to watch for sure.