New England's renovated WR corps will be interesting to watch throughout the summer, and the first days of camp have already supplied some interesting notes. A.J. Brown, for one thing, has reportedly gotten off to a slow start in his connection with QB Drake Maye. According to Andrew Callahan of the Boston Herald, Brown caught just three of 10 passes from his new QB through Tuesday's workout, limited to the short range. Kayshon Boutte, meanwhile, "has been a highlight machine" despite running fourth among Pats wideouts. Romeo Doubs and DeMario Douglas have joined Brown as the top three.
What They're Saying: Boutte Impressing, Douglas Ramping Up?
Callahan: "Boutte has unquestionably been the most dangerous receiver in camp, even as he often comes off the bench."
More from Callahan: "The Patriots' top three receiver grouping featured A.J. Brown, Romeo Doubs, and DeMario Douglas. Interestingly, the offense has also featured every possible pairing from that trio at various times within two-back or two-tight end personnel, meaning Douglas is not always in the slot. Douglas is, however, the most consistently available of those three. The Patriots are stretching his usage and route tree more than in recent years. Doubs, meanwhile, has already had a practice without a catch in team perious, and Brown's downfield struggles are noteworthy."
2026 Fantasy Football Impact: Don't Overrate Early Returns ... but Watch
Let's start with this: It's obviously too early to worry about Brown. We'll keep watching reports on the connection, but no changes to our expectations for the lead WR at this point.
Douglas becomes an interesting end-of-draft PPR stash with this usage, especially if he's working in two-WR sets and running some deeper routes.
Boutte has come up in trade rumors, which would probably be his best shot at finding real fantasy value this year. Otherwise, he's more of a handcuff to Brown and/or Doubs.
Doubs seems like a best ball type at best, who might pop up for occasional TDs but doesn't look like a good bet for consistently worthwhile target shares.
We'll keep tracking the buzz on this intriguing offense.
