Every training camp, there is a player who impresses and has a good summer, but for whatever reason, they do not end up making the team. That player this year is likely going to be undrafted wide receiver Cameron Dorner.
The Patriots wide receiver position is one with an extreme amount of depth, and unfortunately for Dorner, his chances at making the roster were slim to none even before he stepped on the football field.
Dorner has done everything this summer that has been asked of him. The North Texas receiver was a favorite target for rookie quarterback Behren Morton early in the summer, as the pair connected on quite a few deep passes.
After missing a few days with an injury, Dorner came right back in and was given more opportunities. His reps with the second team increased slightly, and he even got reps with Tommy DeVito’s offense in the preseason game.
On his first-ever preseason snap, the rookie won on a post and hauled in an impressive catch. The play was called back, but this didn’t discourage Dorner, who came back on the next play and made an 18-yard catch on a slant.
Dorner’s hands have stood out all summer long. It is common to see undrafted wide receivers lack confidence in their hands and try to use their bodies to catch the football, but Dorner looks like a veteran when catching the football.
For a guy that isn’t known for his speed, Dorner’s ability to get open is quite impressive. His route running, still needing polishing, looked good in Thursday’s preseason contest. His releases were solid, and he lost a few defenders at the top of his routes.
Dorner’s run blocking abilities are also solid. The highlight came as Dorner lined up as the X-receiver and nearly knocked over Colts cornerback Rob Carter Jr. with a simple shove.
While his summer has been impressive and in previous years Dorner would have a strong case for making the roster, the depth at the position is too good. Just at the outside receiver spot alone, the team has all-pro receiver A.J. Brown, 500-plus-yard receiver Kayshon Boutte and third-round pick Kyle Williams.
Dorner’s resume and impressive summer are not going to earn him a roster spot over Brown, Boutte or Williams.
The Patriots should and I believe will sign Dorner to the practice squad after roster cuts. If there is an injury to any of those boundary receivers, it will open an opportunity for Dorner to be elevated from the practice squad.
Although Dorner might not be destined for the 53-man roster, that does not mean he will not contribute to the Patriots sometime in the future.