Locks: Julian Edelman, Danny Amendola, Aaron Dobson, Brandon LaFell, Matthew Slater
Bubble: Josh Boyce, Kenbrell Thompkins
Long shots: Jeremy Gallon, Jeremy Johnson, Wilson Van Hooser, Reese Wiggins
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Patriots WR Julian Edelman finished the 2013 regular season with a career high of 105 receptions for 1,056 yards and 6 TDs. Take a look back at Edelman's season.
New England Patriots vs Buffalo Bills
New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman, right, rushes past Baltimore Ravens cornerback Jimmy Smith in the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013, in Baltimore. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
13 receptions for 139 yards and 1 touchdown.
Cleveland Browns cornerback Johnson Bademosi, right, tackles New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) after a catch in the second quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 8, 2013, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Steven Senne)
New England Patriots vs Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium, Houston, Texas, December 1, 2013.
9 catches to 110 yards and 2 touchdowns.
3 catches for 27 yards.
New England Patriots vs Pittsburgh Steelers.
Miami Dolphins defensive back R.J. Stanford (25) tackles New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) in the third quarter of an NFL football game Sunday, Oct. 27, 2013, in Foxborough, Mass. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer)
5 receptions for 44 yards.
New England Patriots vs New Orleans Saints, October 13, 2013 at Gillette Stadium in Foxboro, MA
New England Patriots vs Cincinnati Bengals.
7 receptions for 118 yards.
7 receptions for 44 yards.
New England Patriots vs NY Jets.
New England Patriots vs the Buffalo Bills, September 8, 2013 at Ralph Wilson Stadium, Orchard Park, NY.
BREAKDOWN:** Money could play a key role in the breakdown at receiver. Amendola still has four years left on his contract and would cost the team $3.2 million against the cap if he were cut. LaFell got $1 million to sign, and although it would not be impossible for the team to eat that total if things don't work out, it would be highly unlikely. Slater is a special teams ace who provides loads of leadership, but until Tom Brady stops throwing the ball in his direction in playoff games we'll continue to list him as a wideout. Boyce and Thompkins could be in a battle for one spot. I like Boyce's explosiveness and would like to see him stay healthy and get a chance to contribute. Thompkins was a nice story as an undrafted rookie last year but he doesn't consistently catch the ball and also had his share of medical issues. Gallon was a seventh-round pick but at 5-8 would appear to be another in a seemingly endless line of slot-types on the roster. Johnson flashed a bit during mini-camp and could fight Gallon for a practice squad spot. Van Hooser and Wiggins are long shots.
