New England Patriots - NESN.com
The New England Patriots were busy making changes to their roster this offseason after winning just four games in 2024. One area that has received quite a makeover is the wide receiver room, but it’s a makeover that Demario Douglas is a fan of.
Douglas emerged as the Patriots’ top wide receiver in 2024 by default, and he managed to hold his own as one of Drake Maye’s favorite targets under center. In 17 games, Douglas caught 66 passes for 621 yards and three touchdowns.
Considering how Douglas led the team’s wide receivers in all three of those categories, it wasn’t a surprise to see the team bring in some help at this spot. That led to Stefon Diggs and Mack Hollins getting signed in free agency, and Kyle Williams being selected in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
While there’s a lot of competition at wide receiver heading into training camp, Douglas is viewed as one of the few roster locks at this spot. And from the sounds of it, he’s pleased with the additions the team made over the offseason in an effort to improve their offense.
“When you got Diggs, Mack come in, them guys good leaders, vocal leaders that ain’t scored to say nothing to anybody. I feel like they added great strength and competition to our room,” Douglas said in a preview of the second episode of “Forged in Foxboro.”
“And then our younger guys that came in, they add competition to the room for us older guys, and I feel like we push each other.”
The goal for New England is to make Maye’s life under center easier than it was last season. Pairing Diggs and Hollins up with Douglas at wide receiver gives the Patriots a trio of playmakers who each bring a unique skill set to the table.
The makeup of the depth chart behind these guys is still a work in progress, but that’s what training camp is for. The competition level has already been increased, and that’s exactly what Douglas wanted to see from the wide receiver room entering the 2025 campaign.
