By John Sarianides

The Patriots signed veteran receiver Andrew Hawkins on Wednesday to a one year deal. The first question that popped in my head was. Where is he going to fit in? The speedy Hawkins gives the Patriots another slot receiver that can take the top off of a coverage but how is he going to make a roster that already includes Julien Edelman, Chris Hogan, Brandin Cooks, Danny Amendola, Malcolm Mitchell, Matthew Slater and Austin Carr?

I get that Belichick wants to create competition and add depth to the position but the most receivers the Patriots could carry on the roster is five. Hawkins would have to beat out Amendola and Carr to make the roster. Edelman, Hogan, Cooks and Mitchell are locks in my opinion. I can see Carr ending up on the practice squad in what will probably be a redshirt year for him.

The 31 year old Hawkins is in his sixth year in the NFL. He was originally signed as a free agent by the St. Louis Rams in 2011 but was cut and claimed by the Cincinnati Bengals. Hawkins signed as a free agent with the Browns in 2014. At 5-7 175, Hawkins is tiny but he is a good route runner who gets in and out of his cuts and can make plays in space. Hawkins also has terrific straight line speed and can separate after the catch.

Hawkins will line up in the slot for the Patriots. He will be effective underneath on crossers, quick out routes and whip routes. He is a good fit schematically and that is what made him so appealing to Belichick.

It will be interesting to see if Hawkins makes the team. If he has a good camp, Belichick and the offensive coaches will have a tough decision to make between him and Amendola. We will see how much Belichick values loyalty.