Thanks to the presence of offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and a revamped unit, the Patriots' offense is expected to feature some new wrinkles this season. And given the ineptitude of the unit over the last couple of years, that's a refreshing thought heading into the 2025 season.
While there's understandably been a lot of hype around free-agent signings such as Stefon Diggs and drafting of Will Campbell, TreVeyon Henderson and Kyle Williams, one of the most prominent Patriots with potential for a breakout season, comes from a guy who has shown promise the last two years.
I'm talking about third-year wide receiver DeMario Douglas, who has shown flashes but has never been able to showcase his full potential thanks to the inconsistency of New England's offense the last two years.
But with McDaniels coming in and his penchant for turning slot receivers into stars - Wes Welker and Julian Edelman come to mind - this could be the year for Douglas to truly bust loose.
DeMario Douglas will be one of the Patriots' breakout players, if not the biggest
According to Steve Palazzo of the "Check the Mic with Steve Palazzo and Sam Monson," Douglas is a no-brainer of a choice for the Patriots' best choice to shift high during the 2025 season, and the presence of McDaniels is a big reason why.
“I think he’s just been really dependable during his couple years in New England,” Palazzolo said. “You’ve got Josh McDaniels coming in calling plays. We know McDaniels — he was at the forefront of the Wes Welker role and having Julian Edelman and working with those slot receivers."
That presence, along with that of Diggs and Williams on the outside, should open things up for Douglas across the middle. Palazzo called Douglas a dependable receiver whom Drake Maye should look to as one of his security blankets this season.
Maye and Douglas looked very much in sync last season, and it's telling what that duo can do with a full season of work. Douglas has the speed to create matchup nightmares across the middle - good luck covering him one-on-one with a linebacker - and if the Patriots' offense is going to improve, Douglas has to be a guy who breaks out this season.