hmmm.
Pats have a third TE and at least one FB.
They really should be at five WR, but have recently kept six.
Slater is one of those. He's classified at WR. If you say don't count him, he counts elsewhere, and you are back to five max.
Welker
Lloyd
Branch
Edelman
Slater
Stallworth
Johnson/Ochocinco
Underwood
Ebert
Davis
Add Gaffney
Let's assume Welker, Lloyd, and Branch are pretty likely right now, due to system familiarity and performance. Then add Slater for ST. Edelman is the PR, and the kind of team guy Belichick likes.
If you keep Welker, Lloyd, Branch, Gaffney, that's a pretty old WR corps. Have to be concerned with injuries, and not much speed at all.
So:
Welker, Lloyd, Branch, Slater
+ 2 of:
Edelman (PR)
Gaffney
Stallworth
Gonzalez
Ochocinco/Johnson
Underwood
Ebert
That really leaves no younger WR. You write off Gonzalez and Underwood, possibly Edelman.
Probably a minimal update over Stallworth, Gonzalez, and Ocho, but debatable.