New England Patriots Wide Receivers Work With RouteGod

The New England Patriots have several players set to compete for roster spots. Jerod Mayo called it a “wide open competition” heading into camp. Several players worked with James Everett Jr., better known as RouteGod to his many followers across social media platforms, ahead of next week’s training camp.

Among those in attendance working out their route running were DeMario Douglas, K.J. Osborn, Ja’Lynn Polk, JuJu Smith-Schuster, and Tyquan Thornton. Not present from the wide receiver room, or at least not shown in the workouts, were Kendrick Bourne, Kawaan Baker, Javon Baker, Kayshon Boutte, Jalen Reagor, and undrafted free agents JaQuae Jackson and David Wallis.

New England brought in Osborn in free agency, then drafted Polk and Javon Baker. The only departure from last year’s 53-man roster among the unit was DeVante Parker. Patriots wide receivers hope to benefit from better quarterback and offensive line play in 2024. However, the group needs to improve their play as well. Working out with RouteGod seems to be a step in the right direction.

This workout session serves as a reminder to fans about just how much goes into these players perfecting their craft. The attention paid to minute details of route running goes further than just being fast or having good hands. Those attributes help, but the small details make the difference between gaining separation and becoming a dangerous playmaker.

Last season, rookie DeMario Douglas led New England wide receivers in receptions (49) and receiving yards (561). Kendrick Bourne led New England wide receivers in touchdown receptions (four) despite playing only eight games. It was the fewest receptions by a Patriots wide receiver to lead the team since 1993 (Vincent Brisby, 45). No New England wide receiver reached 600 yards receiving for the first time since 1988. It was a historically poor performance by the group.

Whether the work put in with RouteGod is enough to help New England’s wide receivers become more of a threat in 2024 remains to be seen. DeMario Douglas stood out in the session as being a fast learner with good quickness and explosiveness in his routes. The Patriots’ entire offense benefits greatly if he can make a significant leap in his second season.

It’s nice to know the New England Patriots wide receivers might face obstacles from their quarterbacks, offensive line, and opposing defenses, but being willing to put in work is not going to hold this group back.