Andy Hart of the Patriots' website calls WR Eric Decker "far from a lock to make the roster," adding that "the veteran still doesn't seem comfortable." Of course, you can still take a late shot on Decker in fantasy football drafts this weekend if you'd like, in a WR corps that will miss Julian Edelman for the 1st 4 weeks. But Phillip Dorsett and Cordarrelle Patterson are better bets to make the final roster if you're looking for a late upside pick.

View all Eric Decker Shark Bites »

Ben Volin of the Boston Globe projected New England's 53-man roster Monday and did not include Kenny Britt among the WRs. Volin projects Chris Hogan, Phillip Dorsett, Eric Decker and Cordarrelle Patterson making the roster, with Julian Edelman opening the year on suspension and Riley McCarron going to the practice squad. Britt has yet to practice in training camp because of a hamstring injury. "If Britt can't get on the field soon, his time with the Patriots might end swiftly," Volin writes. This is just 1 writer's opinion, of course, but we have to weigh all these opinions from regular observers of the team this time of year -- especially when deciding how to treat murky situations such as New England's WR corps in our fantasy football drafts. For now, Britt's a risky late-round option in any format. If he does get the boot, there's no guarantee he catches on elsewhere. Among the 3 new veterans listed, Patterson is probably the best bet to stick because of his value in the return game.

View all Kenny Britt Shark Bites »

The Patriots have signed WR Eric Decker. The 31-year-old is clearly past his prime, averaging just 10.4 yards per catch in Tennessee last year. But he was still a reliable possession receiver, hauling in 65.1% of his targets. He finished a decent 48th among 116 WRs in Pro Football Focus' 2017 receiving grades. "Decent" is all Decker needs to be to have a shot at early-season fantasy value in New England. He'll compete with Kenny Britt, Phillip Dorsett and Cordarrelle Patterson for snaps behind Chris Hogan while Julian Edelman serves his 4-game suspension.

View all Eric Decker Shark Bites »