Chad Graff of The Athletic says Patriots WR Demario Douglas had an impressive spring. "Douglas was by far the Patriots’ best and most explosive playmaker in practice this spring," Graff says. "Every time he got the ball in his hands, good things seemed to happen for the offense."
Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald: "Douglas started off his second season on the right foot and impressed team evaluators with his route-running and get-open ability. There’s little doubt that the Patriots view Douglas as their top slot receiver based on his position in team drills."
Douglas actually led a terrible 2023 Patriots offense in targets (79) and receiving yards (561), trailing only RB Ezekiel Elliott in receptions (51-49).
He did so despite arriving as a sixth-round rookie, losing three contests to injury, and playing 33% of snaps or less in four others.
Douglas has an open path to this year's target lead as well, with second-round WR Ja'Lynn Polk, fourth-round WR Javon Baker, and former Vikings WR K.J. Osborn the biggest additions.
And he should get better QB play, after the team traded away Mac Jones and imported Jacoby Brissett and Drake Maye.
Douglas has been a bargain through early fantasy football drafts, making him a no-risk selection.
Douglas makes for a solid dynasty addition right now as well. It's easy to get excited about the rookie WRs. But Douglas dominated receiving in his final college season, claiming:
If he does emerge as the 2024 target leader, he'll likely cost more on the dynasty market next offseason.
Douglas' emergence would limit the upside for Polk, Baker, and other New England wideouts. Specifically, his likely slot role would stand in the way of where Osborn and JuJu Smith-Schuster have primarily worked to date.
Don't be surprised if Douglas climbs our WR rankings over the next month. He sits just a few points behind Polk at the moment, but behind the rest of the New England WRs.
Don't bet on any Patriots WR making a big move up the ADP chart anytime soon. That makes Douglas -- and others -- even easier to take a shot on. He carries no risk near the bottom of WR6 range.
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