The New England Patriots’ receiving room has been a who’s-who of no-shows since the team let Jakobi Meyers walk in 2022. However, the signing of big name free agent Stefon Diggs over the summer leads fans to believe this year will be different. Now, just three days into training camp, starters are beginning to emerge.
“There was a moment late last week in practice when the Patriots split into two distinct groups,” reported ESPN’s Mike Reiss. “The starters were closer to the end zone near the hillside, while the reserves were on the opposite side of the field.
Stefon Diggs, Kayshon Boutte and DeMario ‘Pop’ Douglas were with the starters, while 2025 third-round pick Kyle Williams, nine-year veteran Kendrick Bourne and undrafted rookie free agent Efton Chism III headlined the receivers at the opposite end.”
Not too surprising that newcomer Stefon Diggs, who posted six straight 1,000 yard seasons before tearing his ACL last season, was joined by the Pats two leading receivers from the season prior.
It is important to note that the Patriots second big name signing in the receiving room, Mack Hollins, is still on the physically unable to perform list. He will be the seventh addition into an already crowded unit.
Demario “Pop” Douglas Stealing The Show
There has been one name appearing in more headlines than any other this week, and that name is Demario “Pop” Douglas.
Pop has lead the Patriots wide receivers in receiving yards since his rookie season. The 2023 sixth round draft pick has made a name for himself in New England and it seems his good fortune has followed him into year three.
“Not only was Douglas on the receiving end of two of Drake Maye’s best throws of the day… he ended up with three catches total from Maye in the practice, which was more than any other pass-catcher,” reported Patriots Insider Phil Perry. “Douglas now has eight catches — more than any other Patriots player — on nine competitive targets from Maye in camp. Stefon Diggs has caught six of the team-leading 10 targets he’s seen in three competitive practices.”
The Patriots have not had a 1,000 yard receiver since Julian Edelman in 2019. If Pop Douglas continues to establish himself as a serious threat, a capable wide receiver two (which the Patriots also have not had) paves the way for Diggs to repeat his status quo.
Mack Hollins Provides Much Needed Height
Patriots fans want to see Mack Hollins back in a big way. Not only is he a security blanket for a young receiver, but his height brings an element to New England’s offense that they simply do not have.
Diggs stands at a generous six-even, while Pop measures in at five-foot-eight. Kayshon Boutte and rookie Kyle Williams each stand five-eleven.
Hollins, on the other hand, comes in at a strong six-foot-four.
If nothing else this creates an obstacle for opposing defenses to plan for as he simply breaks up the status quo of this unit. As mentioned, Hollins remains on the PUP list but head coach Mike Vrabel says he has been active at camp.
“He’s a pro and spends a lot of time here,” coach Mike Vrabel said. “I’ve seen him mentoring and working with the younger guys as well.”
