The four game suspension of Julian Edelman has been the topic of conversation when it comes to the Patriots receiving corp this off-season.

The departure of Danny Amendola and the lack of depth at the position has also been a topic of conversation. The Patriots usually only carry five receivers during the regular season but they’ll be hard pressed to break camp with that many on the roster.

The Patriots recently released Jordan Matthews and Malcolm Mitchell. That will puts even more pressure on the receivers that are currently in camp.

Here are my thoughts on the Patriots receiving corp.

Projected Starters: Chris Hogan, Cordarrelle Patterson, Phillip Dorsett

Back-Ups: Julian Edelman (SSPD first four games), Braxton Berrios, Matthew Slater)

Positional Thoughts: The Edelman suspension has been the main topic of conversation this off-season but that conversation is over now. He is serving his suspension so there is no point in talking about Edelman being out the first four weeks.

The question is, how do you replace him on the field? Chris Hogan is the most experienced receiver returning and he will be Tom Brady’s go to guy early. Hogan can play the X receiver on the line but he can also play off the line as the Z receiver.

Phillip Dorsett has had a good camp thus far and he finally looks comfortable in the Patriots offense. He will be counted on to produce as the third receiver in 11 personnel.

Cordarrelle Patterson will be used in a myriad of ways to take advantage of his athleticism in space. The Patriots will line him up in the backfield, in the slot and on the line. Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels will try to take advantage of his athleticism in as much different ways as possible.

Rookie Braxton Berrios arrived in Foxborough with a lot of fanfare and while he hasn’t exactly wowed in camp, he is going to get every opportunity to make the team. It helps that Berrios plays in the slot and return kicks.

Riley McCarron, Devin Lucien and Paul Turner will battle for either the fifth receiver spot or an opportunity to get on the practice squad.

The Patriots will find a way to mix and match their personnel groupings and formations to get the most out of their passing game. They never carry more than five receivers and it wouldn’t surprise me if they only broke camp with four. No team in the NFL does a better job of using their running backs and tight ends in the passing game. The Patriots will lean on their backs and tight ends to carry some of the load while Edelman is out.