2025 WR Depth Chart

[KCSVEN]

I'm not sure how much talent Baker actually has...his highlights are littered with impressive catches, but he always looks like he is covered, very rarely gets good separation....I think alot of people overlooked it last year because the he makes some crazy contested catches.....but if he is covered while playing at UCF, I don't have alot of faith in him getting open in the league. Combine that with the fact that he seemed to have issues learning the relatively simple WC playbook, I think he is going to be practice squad at best.

I didn’t realize how bad Bakers separation rate was in college, it was not good but very good contested catch rate which is less meaningful.
They drafted 2 guys with weak separation ability, I think both Polk and Baker are practice squad or cuts.
To me if you can’t separate well, you need to have size like Tet or Parker but even then that upside is limited

 

[Urgent]

It was a crappy offensive system last year.
There really wasn't a real offensive plan in place.
The Offensive Coordinator, for example, said he was unaware that Marcus Jones had ever played receiver for the Patriots.
Josh has a system. And it could be somewhat different from what was used last year.
All this suggests that it will be hard to project the roles of Polk, Baker, Bourne, and Boutte until training camp.

That said, the entire purpose of idiots like us is to speculate!

Polk, Baker, Boutte, and Bourne sort of offer the same thing. So hard to see keeping several of them. They seem to be competing for maybe one role. Polk's best chance might be starting on IR or PUP and being an in-season injury replacement. Or he could thrive under Josh. He said some stupid stuff, as did Baker, last season. Either he was humbled and wants a chance to prove himself, or he's an arrogant diva who can't back it up. He has an opportunity to prove which. Note that Bourne costs more than Polk, Baker, Douglas, Williams, and Boutte combined.
Douglas and Chism are undersized quick slots, but Douglas is a lot faster and more proven. Chism seems to be injury insurance for Douglas. I'd be shocked to see both of them in September.
Hollins is a completely different type. 6-4, special teams, red zone/first down possession receiver. Supposed to be a solid locker room guy, fun personality.
Diggs offers the potential of someone who demands a little more of a double team, potentially opening other options.
Williams, hopefully, was a steal.

And with a totally rebuilt and upgraded line, maybe the passing offense has an extra half second for routes to develop.
The top four of Diggs, Williams, Douglas, Hollins could do some damage and offer a diverse skill set.

If everyone is healthy, I'd guess:
Diggs
Williams
Douglas
Hollins
Boutte
Polk

 

[Toofy]

It was a crappy offensive system last year.
There really wasn't a real offensive plan in place.
The Offensive Coordinator, for example, said he was unaware that Marcus Jones had ever played receiver for the Patriots.
Josh has a system. And it could be somewhat different from what was used last year.
All this suggests that it will be hard to project the roles of Polk, Baker, Bourne, and Boutte until training camp.

That said, the entire purpose of idiots like us is to speculate!

Polk, Baker, Boutte, and Bourne sort of offer the same thing. So hard to see keeping several of them. They seem to be competing for maybe one role. Polk's best chance might be starting on IR or PUP and being an in-season injury replacement. Or he could thrive under Josh. He said some stupid stuff, as did Baker, last season. Either he was humbled and wants a chance to prove himself, or he's an arrogant diva who can't back it up. He has an opportunity to prove which. Note that Bourne costs more than Polk, Baker, Douglas, Williams, and Boutte combined.
Douglas and Chism are undersized quick slots, but Douglas is a lot faster and more proven. Chism seems to be injury insurance for Douglas. I'd be shocked to see both of them in September.
Hollins is a completely different type. 6-4, special teams, red zone/first down possession receiver. Supposed to be a solid locker room guy, fun personality.
Diggs offers the potential of someone who demands a little more of a double team, potentially opening other options.
Williams, hopefully, was a steal.

And with a totally rebuilt and upgraded line, maybe the passing offense has an extra half second for routes to develop.
The top four of Diggs, Williams, Douglas, Hollins could do some damage and offer a diverse skill set.

If everyone is healthy, I'd guess:
Diggs
Williams
Douglas
Hollins
Boutte
Polk

Chism is not undersized .. he is 5'11 and close to 200 lbs.. he is a solid slot receiver and if he has the moves is probably an Edelman / Cooper kupp clone...

 

[dliverey44]

We also have to keep In mind until Williams is brought up to speed IMO diggs, Boutte and pop will be the primary WRs as Henderson also will factor in on reciever packages... by the end of the season I expect Williams to be fully in the mix.

All of the WRs, regardless how long that they have been on the team because they are all learning the same offense at the same time. This gives every WR an honest chance to make the team based on their learning ability/current talent level. Their ability to mesh the coaching staff and Drake. The best 6 or 7 will make the team and it won't matter about past draft status.

 

[TommyD4207]

Hollins isn't a lock. no one really is but diggs and Williams if im being honest. I don't see Hollins in the same light that you do. He's a great veteran leader and he's a big bodied WR at 6"4.. for him to best out Boutte he will have to really have a great camp and Boutte fall off. Hollins had 378 yards with Josh Allen last season.. Boutte had almost 600 in a terrible situation last season.. his trajectory is upwards trending.

Hollins is absolutely a lock to make the 53.

 

[dliverey44]

Is Douglas such a lock if we have candidates to do slot and short passing game duties, who may be more reliable?

Could Pop be a surprise trade?

Tom Curran said that he and Josh spoke last year a few times about the team and the Josh really likes Pop and sees him a dynamic weapon. I don't know if there is any truth to this but there might be. Just a FYI

 

[manxman2601]

Count me in the Mack Hollins is a lock camp. The tallest and biggest WR, the best blocker, an outstanding special teamer and a contested catch guy. He had his best season under Josh McDaniels and Vrabel has always liked having a big outside WR. Obviously he's no AJ Brown, but he does have Brown's size. I'd even go so far to say that in two WR sets, it will be Diggs and Hollins mostly, particularly on 50/50 run/pass downs.

 

[Wozzy]

Boutte is a starter and will be here. Diggs, pop and Boutte while bringing along Williams will likely be the way to go.. un less something happens that we Don't anticipate.

Doubt he’s a starter unless something goes seriously wrong but he might make the team.

 

[n1997y]

All of the WRs, regardless how long that they have been on the team because they are all learning the same offense at the same time. This gives every WR an honest chance to make the team based on their learning ability/current talent level. Their ability to mesh the coaching staff and Drake. The best 6 or 7 will make the team and it won't matter about past draft status.

Some of the WRs have played for Josh in the past. So they’re not all starting out on the same level. Some have a head start learning his offense.

It was a crappy offensive system last year.
There really wasn't a real offensive plan in place.
The Offensive Coordinator, for example, said he was unaware that Marcus Jones had ever played receiver for the Patriots.
Josh has a system. And it could be somewhat different from what was used last year.
All this suggests that it will be hard to project the roles of Polk, Baker, Bourne, and Boutte until training camp.

That said, the entire purpose of idiots like us is to speculate!

Polk, Baker, Boutte, and Bourne sort of offer the same thing. So hard to see keeping several of them. They seem to be competing for maybe one role. Polk's best chance might be starting on IR or PUP and being an in-season injury replacement. Or he could thrive under Josh. He said some stupid stuff, as did Baker, last season. Either he was humbled and wants a chance to prove himself, or he's an arrogant diva who can't back it up. He has an opportunity to prove which. Note that Bourne costs more than Polk, Baker, Douglas, Williams, and Boutte combined.
Douglas and Chism are undersized quick slots, but Douglas is a lot faster and more proven. Chism seems to be injury insurance for Douglas. I'd be shocked to see both of them in September.
Hollins is a completely different type. 6-4, special teams, red zone/first down possession receiver. Supposed to be a solid locker room guy, fun personality.
Diggs offers the potential of someone who demands a little more of a double team, potentially opening other options.
Williams, hopefully, was a steal.

And with a totally rebuilt and upgraded line, maybe the passing offense has an extra half second for routes to develop.
The top four of Diggs, Williams, Douglas, Hollins could do some damage and offer a diverse skill set.

If everyone is healthy, I'd guess:
Diggs
Williams
Douglas
Hollins
Boutte
Polk

“Polk, Baker, Boutte, and Bourne sort of offer the same thing. So hard to see keeping several of them.”

There are different nuances. Agree that it’s hard to see keeping several of them. Thing is, only one of them has shown the ability to deliver in NFL play over several seasons, with more than one team. And another one has shown some ability to deliver, in a much smaller sample size. Then there’s Polk and Baker not showing anything in the NFL, yet some folks think they’re the cream of that crop.

 

[dliverey44]

Some of the WRs have played for Josh in the past. So they’re not all starting out on the same level. Some have a head start learning his offense.

Yes Hollins and Bourne have, I should have specified that the younger kids (Polk, Baker, Pop, Booty, Williams, The Money Shot and other UDFAs).

I only see Diggs and Hollins as locks right now. Of the younger kids I think the odds are more in favor of Booty, Pop and Williams.

 

[n1997y]

Yes Hollins and Bourne have, I should have specified that the younger kids (Polk, Baker, Pop, Booty, Williams, The Money Shot and other UDFAs).

I only see Diggs and Hollins as locks right now. Of the younger kids I think the odds are more in favor of Booty, Pop and Williams.

I’d include Williams as a lock. So, 3 WR positions filled, three up for grabs. Pop Douglas has the inside track on one, but not sure he’s a lock. Wonder if he could be traded. I’d say Bourne and Boutte are the other two likely choices. But lots of dark horses to bet on.

Both Polk and Baker had a chance to step up and make a name for themself and did not. Chasm and the rest of the rookies aren’t going to stand down waiting…

 

[dliverey44]

I’d include Williams as a lock. So, 3 WR positions filled, three up for grabs. Pop Douglas has the inside track on one, but not sure he’s a lock. Wonder if he could be traded. I’d say Bourne and Boutte are the other two likely choices. But lots of dark horses to bet on.

Both Polk and Baker had a chance to step up and make a name for themself and did not. Chasm and the rest of the rookies aren’t going to stand down waiting…

**** you're right. I did not think that out very well. Polk and Baker did have a shot last year but did not perform, but the entire team was **** last year and I am not holding their performance in a sham offense against them.

 

[mgteich]

**** you're right. I did not think that out very well. Polk and Baker did have a shot last year but did not perform, but the entire team was **** last year and I am not holding their performance in a sham offense against them.

Sure, cut Polk because he couldn't shine with Bissette at QB, the worst OL in the NFL and the worst set of coaches in the NFL.
=======
Polk was viewed a 2nd or 3rd rounder last year, Baker as a 4thor 5th. After they were drafted both were considered good picks. To put it another way, Wolf and the staff decided that Polk and Baker were worthy of likely making it in the NFL, and after the draft experts agreed,

To me, it is simply a waste of resources to get rid of these players.

That being said, there is a logjam. Bourne can't be part of the future when there are so many youngsters with potential. Douglas has shown that he is a Qualified NFL starter in the slot. But, sure, someone could beat him out. I don't see how someone would demonstrate that he was much better than Douglas in the slot based on Training Camp and a couple of joint practices.

PICK ONE OR TWO
---------------------
Polk
Boutte
Baker

 

[Real fan 02]

Count me in the Mack Hollins is a lock camp. The tallest and biggest WR, the best blocker, an outstanding special teamer and a contested catch guy. He had his best season under Josh McDaniels and Vrabel has always liked having a big outside WR. Obviously he's no AJ Brown, but he does have Brown's size. I'd even go so far to say that in two WR sets, it will be Diggs and Hollins mostly, particularly on 50/50 run/pass downs.

I happen to agree. Hollins is a big 6"4 guy he's best suited for run players and red area that's where he thrives at especially will his big frame.. he can get deep behind defenders. Once Williams gets up to speed as we have to remember he's a rookie I except him to never leave the field. Williams and Diggs will always be on the field. Early on Josh is going to go with the guys who are up to speed and can move the chains.. don't forget we also have Montgomery and Gibson that will factor into the passing game as well. Boy does it feel good to have so many options now.

 

[Real fan 02]

Yes Hollins and Bourne have, I should have specified that the younger kids (Polk, Baker, Pop, Booty, Williams, The Money Shot and other UDFAs).

I only see Diggs and Hollins as locks right now. Of the younger kids I think the odds are more in favor of Booty, Pop and Williams.

Was watching some patiots stuff last night
Mike reiss seems to think that if Williams, which we except has a grasp of the offense from day 1 he could make a veteran expendable. I'm thinking it will be between KB, Hollins and Boutte. Polk isn't getting cut no way they give up on him yet.. when N'Keal Harry and Tyquan Thornton lasted 3 seasons.

 

[Real fan 02]

Doubt he’s a starter unless something goes seriously wrong but he might make the team.

He will.

 

[Wozzy]

He will.

Diggs and Demario are already locked in, they just drafted Williams and two more speedsters… we’ll see, I doubt it.

 

[Real fan 02]

Diggs and Demario are already locked in, they just drafted Williams and two more speedsters… we’ll see, I doubt it.

I'm just simply saying we have to look at the factors. Williams I love his game.. but is a rookie.. will have to catch up to where veterans are that are already here. To start the season I can see a mix of Diggs, pop, Boutte with Williams brought along gradually. If Williams is starting week one then it's only a good thing.

 

[p8ryts]

Absolutely not. I think they'll carry 6 and 1 on the PS. My guess is if Jiles or Blankumsee can fog a mirror, one of them makes the PS. If Boutte, Bourne or Polk or Baker eff up this summer at all with off the field stuff, they'll be made examples of. Head on swivel thing that Taylor Lewan spoke of. Six guys (I missed Bourne) fighting for two spots. Entitled divas will be shown the door, so Baker's advisors should be telling him to not buy a house at this time. He has the hardest road IMO. Bourne has the biggest cap savings, so he's probably dead man walking, but he's also the guy most likely to get picked up on waivers. Jiles and Blankumsee (like Winnipesaukee?) are long shots. That would mean Boutte and Polk are the favorites to stick, pre-camp. Just gotta stay out of the police blotter.

Chism PS

 

[Real fan 02]

I’d include Williams as a lock. So, 3 WR positions filled, three up for grabs. Pop Douglas has the inside track on one, but not sure he’s a lock. Wonder if he could be traded. I’d say Bourne and Boutte are the other two likely choices. But lots of dark horses to bet on.

Both Polk and Baker had a chance to step up and make a name for themself and did not. Chasm and the rest of the rookies aren’t going to stand down waiting…

Brissett was worse than initially thought.. he couldn't throw pass 10 yards.. he played with a injured shoulder all season and it showed. Polk will be here. All things considered he curr is still rehabbing at the facilities and he's in the off season program. Another factor here... all the WR's are going up against gonzo and Davis in camp. Whomever impresses the most will make the roster.