"DeMario Douglas has been the Patriots’ best pass-catcher, and it isn’t close," insider Taylor Kyles writes a few days into training camp. Douglas looks comfortable in OC Josh McDaniels' offense, is creating tons of separation, and has built a strong rapport with QB Drake Maye, according to Kyles. "The third-year receiver is primed to be the latest in [OC Josh] McDaniels’ long line of slot studs," Kyles adds.
As Kyles alluded to, the slot position has been a good spot in McDaniels' offense. Wes Welker and Julian Edelman both posted multiple 100-catch seasons under McDaniels.
Douglas isn't as talented as those guys. And he doesn't have QB Tom Brady. But he's had a nice start to his NFL career, especially considering the state of New England's passing game. Douglas caught 49 balls as a rookie in 2023 and 66 last year.
The Patriots added Stefon Diggs to be the presumed No. 1 WR this season. We're still heavily betting on him leading this team in targets. But Douglas seems to have the starting slot role locked up. And there's not much else to worry about on the WR depth chart.
If this passing game takes a step forward under McDaniels and second-year QB Drake Maye, Douglas could hold some spot-start value in PPR leagues.
He's basically free in drafts, with an ADP sitting in Round 21.
It's certainly not ideal that Douglas has reportedly been out-playing Stefon Diggs so far. But context is key here: Diggs is a 31-year-old veteran coming off a torn ACL. It makes sense for him to ramp up slowly, with a goal of peaking come Week 1.
Diggs remains a fine value at his eighth-round price tag.
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