The Patriots have a much better chance of earning the No. 1 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft than they do of obtaining a postseason spot, so they’re shifting priorities.
It’s no longer necessarily about wins but development.
New England displayed an example of that Sunday, as it kept four tight ends and six wide receivers active for its matchup with the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. It’s unsurprising that such a shift was made, especially with what we’ve heard and seen from the likes of rookie wide receivers Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker, as well as tight end Jaheim Bell, in recent weeks.
Polk started fairly strong, though he hit one hell of a rookie wall following his non-catch against the Miami Dolphins in Week 5. Polk didn’t get his second foot down in the back of the end zone on the potential game-winning touchdown and seemed to be second-guessing himself at every opportunity in the weeks since. New England ultimately saw him placed in concussion protocol, which kept him out of the lineup for a few weeks before he returned to play nine offensive snaps against the Tennessee Titans. It looks like he could receive more opportunities in the Windy City, as he’ll join Baker, DeMario Douglas, Kayshon Boutte and Kendrick Bourne in front of K.J. Osborn on the depth chart.
Bell is another interesting case, as he received tons of support during the week from fellow tight end Hunter Henry and tight ends coach Bob Bicknell. The Patriots have fully implemented the versatile tight end on special teams while increasing his offensive role each of the last few weeks.
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New England wants to focus on development, and we’ll start to see exactly what that means on Sunday.
Featured image via Brian Fluharty/Imagn Images
