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Heading into the 2026 season, the New England Patriots’ wide receiver room features an intriguing mix of proven veteran playmakers, dynamic slot receivers, and hungry young talent competing for roster spots.

The talent has been upgraded and offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels has two legitimate targets to work with now in A.J Brown and Romeo Doubs. Both will be highly productive in the Patriots system.

The room is deep as well with Kayshon Boutte, Pop Douglas and Efton Chism back. There will be plenty of competition.

Here is a breakdown of the receiver position ahead of training camp opening up.

A.J. Brown, 6-1 226, Ole Miss: Acquired as the marquee alpha wideout for the offense, A.J. Brown gives New England a true dominant primary target. He possesses elite size, strength, and explosive game-breaking speed, capable of winning at all three levels of the field. His presence fundamentally alters defensive game plans, opening up space for the rest of the receiving unit and raising the ceiling of the entire passing attack. He is the best X receiver the Patriots have in a long time, maybe ever.

Romeo Doubs, 6-2 210, Nevada: Doubs brings proven NFL starter experience and versatility. Doubs excels at making contested catches in traffic, tracking deep passes over his shoulder, and operating as a dependable target on third downs. His veteran poise adds invaluable balance and depth to the Patriots’ starting receiver rotation. He can play the Z, F or X spots depending on the formation and personnel grouping.

Kayshon Boutte, 5-11, 203, LSU: Boutte enters the 2026 campaign looking to solidify a permanent role in the Patriots’ pass-catching rotation. Known for his physical play style and strong run-after-catch abilities coming out of LSU, Boutte brings reliable hands and route-running versatility. If he can stay healthy and maintain consistency throughout training camp, he has the potential to once again be a key intermediate target for the offense. Boutte has the best rapport with Drake Maye, especially in the vertical passing game.

DeMario Douglas, 5-8 185, Liberty: DeMario “Pop” Douglas remains one of the most electric open-field playmakers on the roster. The Liberty product uses his low center of gravity, rapid acceleration, and elite shiftiness to create instant separation out of the slot. Whether on jet sweeps, quick bubbles, or deep slot routes, Douglas gives the offense an explosive spark every time he touches the ball.

Mack Hollins, 6-4 221, North Carolina: Mack Hollins provides veteran leadership, imposing size, andan ability to get open and make contested catches down the field. The former North Carolina Tar Heel is a relentless blocker in the running game and a reliable red-zone weapon who uses his tall frame to win high-pointing opportunities. His versatility and work ethic make him a vital asset both on offense and kicking units.

Kyle Williams, 5-11 190 Washington State: Drafted out of Washington State, Kyle Williams possesses a smooth stride, elite route breaking quickness, and impressive yards-after-catch potential. Williams offers the flexibility to play both in the slot and on the outside, giving the coaching staff a versatile weapon capable of stretching defenses horizontally and vertically.

Efton Chism III, 5-10 198 Eastern Washington: Chism established himself as a reliable young option after making the active roster as an undrafted free agent out of Eastern Washington. He runs crisp route routes, has exceptional lateral quickness, and strong hands. Chism thrives on quick slants, screens, and intermediate routes. He provides valuable depth in the slot and continues to push for more snaps.

Nick DeGennaro, 6-0 196 James Madison: DeGennaro brings a high-energy, contested-catch skillset to Foxborough following an impressive college career capped at James Madison. A polished wideout who consistently finds soft spots in zone coverage, DeGennaro’s toughness and precise footwork give him a solid chance to compete for a spot on the back end of the roster.

Kyle Dixon, 6-2 220, Culver-Stockton: An intriguing big-bodied receiver, Dixon brings unique length and size to the receiver group. Coming out of Culver-Stockton, Dixon posted huge production in college using his frame to shield off defenders and win aerial battles. In camp, his size and broad catching radius make him an appealing threat in the red zone and along the sidelines.

Cameron Dorner, 6-1 188 North Texas: Dorner joins the group following a standout senior season at North Texas where he flashed explosive vertical threat ability. Dorner operates well outside the numbers, using quick-twitch release moves and impressive vertical hops to win individual matchups downfield. He adds valuable speed and athleticism to the competition on the perimeter.

Jimmy Kibble, 6-1 199 Georgetown: Kibble comes into camp looking to turn heads as a solid route runner out of Georgetown. Known for his strong tracking skills and smooth adjustments on balls thrown downfield, Kibble demonstrated big-play ability throughout his college career. He will look to translate that downfield efficiency into a spot on the 2026 depth chart.

Jermiah Webb, 5-11 198, South Alabama: Webb offers speed, physical toughness, and multi-positional versatility. Having showcased his knack for clutch plays at South Alabama, Webb brings a gritty competitive edge that coaches love. He will be battling heavily during the preseason to secure a role on special teams and earn snaps in receiver packages. The coaching staff knows what they have in Webb from last year.