Patriots Depth Chart: DeVante Parker vs. Kendrick Bourne?

The New England Patriots depth chart at receiver could get interesting as DeVante Parker and Kendrick Bourne battle for the X-receiver spot.

Despite having a good visit with free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins last week, the New England Patriots have to play the waiting game. Multiple reports say Hopkins won't sign with a team until closer to training camp at the end of July. That could present the Patriots with the challenge of having another team join the mix to sign the 31-year-old.

So, if the Patriots don't sign Hopkins, what would the depth chart look like at receiver? Many assume that if Hopkins were to sign, he'd immediately be thrust into the X-receiver spot, where he has played throughout his career. So let's start there: 

X-Receiver: DeVante Parker

Typically what teams are looking for in an "X-receiver" is someone they can trust on the outside in one-on-one coverage. Traditionally, the "X" is the receiver lined up on the line of scrimmage, while the Z-receiver is off of the line.

Parker, the former Miami Dolphin, is the closest thing the Patriots have to Hopkins from a physical standpoint. At 6-foot-3, he is the downfield jump-ball threat who doesn't possess the same explosiveness as Tyquan Thornton or Kendrick Bourne. 

Yet, without Jakobi Meyers in New England, Parker was the leading receiver for the Patriots from last season, where he totaled 539 yards and three touchdowns on 31 receptions. He already boasts chemistry with quarterback Mac Jones and is the most proven option without Hopkins on the roster to play at X.

Z-Receiver: Kendrick Bourne 

This is where it gets interesting, as the Patriots could go one or two ways with their second outside receiver. If the signing of Mike Gesicki is anything to go off of - and Bill O'Brien's past - New England's offense could feature heavily in two tight end sets. If that is the case, you could see JuJu Smith-Schuster line up opposite Parker with Gesicki and Hunter Henry on the field. 

Additionally, suppose the Patriots have one tight end with three receivers. In that case, Kendrick Bourne is our choice at Z. After being in the "doghouse" last season with play-caller Matt Patricia, Bourne is a strong candidate for a bounce-back year. 

The six-year veteran had a career year in 2021 under Josh McDaniels, showing he can play at both outside spots but seemingly regressed in Patricia's system. If O'Brien can deploy Bourne similarly to McDaniels, then don't be surprised to see him regain his explosive form.

Slot: JuJu Smith-Schuster 

This spot is pretty obvious. Everyone knows the Patriots' history of success with slot receivers. After signing Smith-Schuster to a three-year contract, New England can add to their successes in the slot. 

Coming off a bounce-back year as a member of the Kansas City Chiefs, Smith-Shuster seems destined to make an impact early in Foxboro, trying to develop the same chemistry with Jones that Meyers had. 

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