The New England Patriots had a young, explosive offensive weapon on the rise in practice

The New England Patriots could have a young star poised for a breakout 2024 season. The Patriots have found new optimism about the team in head coach Jerod Mayo's first season in New England.

The New England Patriots need their WRs to step up

Rookie quarterback Drake Maye symbolizes hope for the Patriots' future. In spring practice, veteran quarterback Jacoby Brissett appears to have a leg up for the QB1 job in September. No matter who is under center this season, questions arose throughout the year about who would be the starting quarterback. The Patriots have been linked to numerous receivers via potential trades or free agency.

DeMario Douglas had a big spring

According to Chad Graff with THE Athletic, 2023 sixth-round pick DeMario Douglas was a player whose stock rose this spring:

Douglas was by far the Patriots' best and most explosive playmaker in practice this spring. Every time he got the ball in his hands, good things seemed to happen for the offense. Now, it's fair to admit that Kendrick Bourne hasn't been practicing while recovering from his torn ACL, but it was significant progress for the 23-year-old Douglas.

He was the team's leading receiver last season — albeit with just 561 yards — and looked even better in spring practice.

Douglas must be on the field

This offseason, the Patriots competed for Douglas' job. Former Minnesota Vikings WR3 KJ Osborn is expected to receive plenty of snaps in the slot. Graff thinks the Patriots will have to give Douglas a role based on what the second-year receiver has shown in OTAs:

The tough thing for the Patriots is that Douglas can pretty much only play from the slot, and they already have several receivers who are at their best in that position (including Bourne, KJ Osborn and JuJu Smith-Schuster). But it will be Alex Van Pelt's job to figure out how to keep Douglas on the field because he is the most dynamic receiver on the team.

The Patriots don't have an elite WR1 or WR2 on the team, but they appear to have depth at the position. If Douglas can elevate his play this season, the Patriots offense should be more of a threat with improved quarterback play.

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