New England Patriots wide receiver Demario Douglas Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Report reveals how Patriots plan to utilize rookie standout WR

By Pierce Downey | Last updated 8/8/23

Because of Tom Brady, Julian Edelman, J.C. Jackson, Danny Amendola, Shaq Mason, Marcus Cannon and more, the New England Patriots are known for turning late-round selections into studs. Sixth-round rookie receiver Demario Douglas may be the latest example.

Douglas exploded in the first week of training camp, consistently showing his ability to compete with high-caliber players. In one-on-one drills on Tuesday, Douglas embarrassed cornerback Myles Bryant—who started six games for the Patriots in 2022—and Christian Gonzalez—New England's 2023 first-round pick and top DROY choice. As the days progress, Douglas is looking more and more like a starting receiver for the Patriots.

Douglas will play as a slot receiver for New England because of his small frame and quick release. Douglas' excellent route running and juking ability make him a threat in man coverage, which the Patriots will surely utilize in the red zone, an area the team struggled to score touchdowns in last season.

TOUCHDOWN FLAMES

Demario Douglas was going to work this drive and scores his 2nd TD this season! #RiseWithUs #TougherTogether pic.twitter.com/L1z5PI21wp
— Liberty Football (@LibertyFootball) October 24, 2020

Throughout his entire career, Douglas has proven to be a danger to the defense any time he is given the ball in open space. If Bill O'Brien chooses to utilize Douglas' shiftiness, then the Patriots may add designed screens and quick routes designed for the 22-year-old into the playbook.

Douglas may also see snaps outside of the offense.

According to Taylor Kyles, head coach Bill Belichick has been experimenting with Douglas at kick returner. 2022 All-Pro Marcus Jones will surely be the opening-day starter at the position, but Douglas can act as a depth option in the event Jones gets injured.

Since Brady left for the Tampa Buccaneers in 2020, the Patriots have not had a single truly dangerous wide receiver, which is a large reason for why they have only made the playoffs once in the post-Brady era. With tensions rising between legendary head coach Bill Belichick and owner Robert Kraft due to the lack of winning, if he lives up to the hype, Douglas could be the savior of New England's season and even Belichick's job.

Douglas will have a chance to carry his success from the practice field to the playing field when the Patriots play the Houston Texans on Thursday at 7 p.m. EST in the first week of preseason.

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