The New England Patriots invested heavily in augmenting their running game support this offseason. They added Julian Hill, a blocking tight end; Reggie Gilliam, a blocking fullback; and Eli Raridon, a blocking tight end. Interestingly, they didn't sign a running back or draft one until the seventh round of the draft.
Regardless, with Drake Maye leading the way, the passing game will be the offense's driving force. In that category they team signed a solid free agent, Romeo Doubs.
While discussing the upcoming season, Matt Legros of Patriots Wire makes a very interesting prediction for the Patriots' newest receiver. He suggests that if the Patriots fail to land No. 1 receiver, A.J. Brown in a trade, then Doubs will rise to the occasion and notch a 1,000-yard season.
That's a very optimistic outlook since Doubs has never caught more than 59 passes (in 2023) or gained more than 724 yards (in 2025) in any one season. Last year, Doubs caught 55 passes and seems more suited to a solid No. 2 role than assuming the de facto No. 1 role that Stefon Diggs occupied in 2025, when he caught 85 passes for 1013 yards.
Romeo Doubs will be counted upon heavily if A.J. Brown isn't here
Legros makes a good point: if Brown is still in Philadelphia or anywhere other than Foxborough, Doubs may be called upon to assume the lead role in the wide receiver room.
"Romeo Doubs is in line to assume the role that Stefon Diggs had with the Patriots in 2025 as the team’s No. 1 receiver. Patriots coach Mike Vrabel intends to increase DeMario Douglas’ role in the offense, and Kayshon Boutte will demand more targets next season after the year that he had in 2025, in the event that he stays in New England."
The pressure will then be on Doubs to be Diggs-like and assume the top receiver role, since there's really no one else on the roster who can do so. Yet, that's not an optimal situation for Mike Vrabel, Drake Maye, or the Patriots offense in general.
Doubs is perfectly suited to be the No. 2 receiver, and having him man the second receiver spot alongside Brown would be the best possible outcome for the Patriots' offense at this stage of the game.
Of course, that will be determined by the two teams agreeing on acceptable compensation in draft picks and/or players to make that eventuality a reality. Hopefully, they will, and Brown will step into the No. 1 receiver role and, alongside Doubs, be a formidable duo for Drake Maye to target.
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