5 of 19

Norm Hall/Getty Images

Scheme: Erhardt-Perkins

Starter: Julian Edelman

NFL1000 Score: 73.1/100

NFL1000 Position Rank: 4/155

The former Kent State quarterback has emerged as Brady’s go-to target at the wide receiver position, and the Patriots passing game ran through Edelman while Rob Gronkowski missed multiple games due to injuries. While thought of as a slot receiver, Edelman has the ability to operate both from the slot and along the sideline, and he is one of those players who can work himself open on a variety of routes, including deeper patterns such as dig routes and post routes.

One consideration for the organization is Edelman’s age. He will turn 31 in May, and while that is still young, it is close to the age when Wes Welker began to regress in New England. While Welker’s injury history was more extensive than Edelman’s, the Patriots might look to find his replacement soon. Perhaps that was the reason behind the trade for Brandin Cooks, but they may still address the position in the draft.

Starter: Brandin Cooks

NFL1000 Scores: 68.2/100

NFL1000 Position Rank: 35/155

The Patriots acquired Cooks in a trade earlier this offseason, sending their first-round selection (No. 32 overall) and third-round pick to New Orleans in exchange for the shifty receiver. Only 23 years old, Cooks is a dangerous threat both underneath as well as down the field, though his role was diminished somewhat last year after the Saints drafted Michael Thomas out of Ohio State. Cooks is a similar player to Edelman, but he provides more of a deep threat given his speed and ability to beat press at the line of scrimmage.

Given New England’s scheme, expect Cooks to operate more in the intermediate area of the field, while working in the occasional vertical route to keep the defense honest. His ability down the field should free up some room underneath for both Edelman and a (hopefully) healthy Rob Gronkowski.

Backup: Danny Amendola

NFL1000 Scores: 68.5/100

NFL1000 Position Rank: 30/155

Amendola turned in a solid season for the Patriots in 2016-2017, while saving his best work for the postseason. He caught 23 passes for 243 yards and four touchdowns in the regular season, including two touchdowns in Week 2 against the Dolphins. But he was a crucial component of New England’s comeback victory in Super Bowl LI, catching a season-high eight passes for 78 yards and a touchdown, in addition to a critical two-point conversion that tied the game in the final minute.

Amendola is primarily used as a slot receiver in New England, working underneath and over the middle. He has the ability to work himself open on routes such as slants and pivots and can find space over the middle on digs or even deeper curl routes.

Backup: Malcolm Mitchell

NFL1000 Scores: 63.5/100

NFL1000 Position Rank: 91/155

Drafted out of the University of Georgia, Mitchell found himself in a rare spot as a rookie: inside Tom Brady’s circle of trust. Perhaps this was most apparent during Super Bowl LI, when the Patriots signal-caller looked to the rookie on a few third-down situations late in the game, trusting that Mitchell would work himself open and make a big conversion.

At 5’11”, Mitchell is utilized primarily as an X receiver in New England’s offense, although he can serve as a Z receiver too. He was very adept last season at routes on the outside, such as quick out patterns or even hitch/curl routes, where he could push the defender vertically and gain separation on his break after selling the deep route. He and Chris Hogan serve as the Patriots’ two primary weapons on the outside.

Backup: Chris Hogan

NFL1000 Scores: 65.9/100

NFL1000 Position Rank: 64/155

Acquired in March 2016 from the Buffalo Bills as a restricted free agent, Hogan stepped into the New England offense and provided some versatility at the receiver spot, both in terms of his ability on the outside and his presence down the field. He averaged 17.9 yards per reception this season, tied with DeSean Jackson for most in the league. Hogan was at his best in the playoffs, catching nine passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns in the AFC Championship Game against Pittsburgh. In Super Bowl LI, Hogan hauled in four passes for 57 yards, but he had a key reception on New England’s game-winning drive in overtime. His ability both on the outside and down the field is a perfect complement to Edelman and will make a great pairing with Cooks.

Team Need: 1/10

Potential Draft Fits: None. Could consider bringing in camp competition with undrafted free agents.