Mike ReissJul 27, 2025, 06:00 AM ETCloseMike Reiss is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the New England Patriots. Reiss has covered the Patriots since 1997 and joined ESPN in 2009. In 2019, he was named Massachusetts Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association.Follow on X
Mike ReissJul 27, 2025, 06:00 AM ET
CloseMike Reiss is an NFL reporter at ESPN and covers the New England Patriots.
Reiss has covered the Patriots since 1997 and joined ESPN in 2009. In 2019, he was named Massachusetts Sportswriter of the Year by the National Sports Media Association.Follow on X
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FOXBOROUGH, Mass. — Quick-hit thoughts and notes around theNew England Patriotsand NFL:
1.
WR clarity: There was a moment late last week in practice when the Patriots split into two distinct groups. The starters were closer to the end zone near the hillside, while the reserves were on the opposite side of the field.
The snapshot provided clarity as to where things stand with the team’s most competitive and crowded position: wide receiver.
Stefon Diggs,Kayshon BoutteandDeMario “Pop” Douglaswere with the starters, while 2025 third-round pickKyle Williams, nine-year veteranKendrick Bourneand undrafted rookie free agentEfton Chism IIIheadlined the receivers at the opposite end.
“It’s awesome, better than it’s ever been from my experience being here,” said Bourne, the team’s longest tenured receiver of four years. “You love to have challenge, the environment of competition, which really brings the best out.
“I think the cards are going to play out how the cards are going to play out.
I don’t have any predictions. I’m just doing what I’m supposed to do, and the room needs to have that mindset.”
At some point, veteranMack Hollins(two years, $8.4 million) will come off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list and land somewhere within those top six spots (which projects as the most likely number of receivers the team keeps on its initial 53-man roster).
“He’s a pro and spends a lot of time here,” coach Mike Vrabel said. “I’ve seen him mentoring and working with the younger guys as well.”
Notably not on the current radar are 2024 draft picksJa’Lynn Polk(second round) andJavon Baker(fourth round).
They seem to have considerable ground to make up.
Source: Espnnfl
