Previewing additions to the Patriots' 2024 receiving corps

This offseason, the New England Patriots made strides to mend the team's offense, which finished 30th in yards per game and tied for last in points per game in 2023, per ESPN.

A noticeable amount of resources were dedicated toward the team's receiving corps, which has struggled to perform well since 2020. Here is an analysis of New England's recent additions and what they mean for the future of the squad.

Talented rookies join the mix

One of the most promising additions to New England's receiving corps came from the NFL Draft, where rookie head coach Jerod Mayo selected Washington's Ja'Lynn Polk in the second round.

Polk was a major contributor for Washington. In 2023, he caught for 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns, making him one of the top WRs in his draft class. Polk, a key player in Washington's historic 15-1 season in 2023 which saw the team reach the national championship game, also possesses valuable experience in big moments, a rare trait among rookies.

UCF receiver Javon Baker, a fourth-round pick, is another rookie WR joining the Patriots. His strengths are found in his route-running, burst and quick hands. Baker also has enough versatility to be used out of many different formations and alignments.

He tallied 1,139 yards and seven touchdowns receiving in his final collegiate season.

Versatility, leadership added

In May, WR K.J. Osborn was signed to the squad. Entering his fourth season, Osborn spent his first three years with the Minnesota Vikings, accumulating 1,845 yards and 15 touchdowns receiving.

At 27, Osborn is one of the oldest receivers on the Patriots. He, along with WRs Kendrick Bourne and JuJu Smith-Schuster, will likely function in a leadership role.

Osborn is also useful in-game, as noted by Taylor Kyles, a Patriots beat reporter and analyst for CLNS Media.

Osborn's versatility will come in handy as well.

According to Pats Pulpit's Bernd Buchmasser and Kyles, Osborn will line up in a hybrid role, alternating between the X and Z receiving positions while also taking reps in the slot. Buchmasser and Kyles also predict Osborn to see action on special teams.

For his entire career, Osborn has played in the shadow of Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson, who holds the record for the most receiving yards by an NFL player in their first four seasons. Osborn's new stint with New England grants him the opportunity to have a career season and finally receive the recognition he deserves while also giving New England on- and off-field help.