The 2025 NFL season is coming up quickly and fans cannot wait until it arrives. While OTA’s aren’t exactly telling of how a season will go, fans are getting their first look at their respective teams. For the New England Patriots, it’s the start of what the franchise hopes will be a bounce-back season.
Last year, the Patriots struggled mightily under first-year head coach Jerod Mayo. After the team put together a brutal 4-13 record, Robert Kraft quickly decided to fire Mayo and replaced him with Mike Vrabel.
During the offseason, New England made quite a few roster moves. The front office added a lot of talent, putting the roster in a much better place than it was at this time last season.
One position that the Patriots focused on aggressively was wide receiver. Adding more weapons for new franchise quarterback Drake Maye was a clear focus.
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Stefon Diggs, Mack Hollins, and Kyle Williams were all added this offseason. That has left the future of two wide receivers in potential jeopardy.
As shared by NESN’s Adam Pellerin, both Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker could be facing pressure to make the roster.
“I would say the two second-year wide receivers,” Pellerin said. “Based on the expectation you had, especially for Polk, last year. Didn’t live up to that. A lot of drops. I think they had 13 catches between the two of them and I think Polk had 12 of them. I think they’re on the hot seat because of the fact that you brought in guys this offseason. You drafted Kyle Williams. You brought in Stefon Diggs. You brought in Mack Hollins.”
Polk was a second-round pick last year and failed to make any kind of impact as a rookie. He caught just 12 passes for 87 yards and two touchdowns.
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Baker, on the other hand, was a fourth-round pick and mustered up just one catch for 12 yards on the year.
Both players were major disappointments during the 2024 season. That disappointment led New England to aggressively pursue upgrades. In fact, their rough rookie years could cost them a job.
It will be interesting to see what the Patriots’ wide receiver room looks like in 2025. Polk came into the league with huge potential and Baker has a skill-set to make plays. Each of them will need to show out in preseason and training camp action to keep their spots.
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