One of the more unfortunate parts of the Patriots over the last few years has been their struggle to find a WR1 for their quarterback. It wasn't necessarily due to a lack of trying per se, although there is an argument to be made about Bill Belichick's efforts. However, money and resources were not used to ensure a game-changing pass catcher was on the roster.
That meant it had to be a priority this offseason, which led the new regime to Stefon Diggs. Despite coming off an ACL injury, the 30-year-old is still considered among the best in the league and is already becoming Drake Maye's favorite weapon. Fortunately, he's signed to the team for the next three years, allowing the quarterback to have the caliber of weapon he needs for the foreseeable future.
But what makes Diggs' arrival all the more interesting is that it looks like the Josh McDaniels effect may have given Maye another WR1 in the making in DeMario Douglas. The receiver has blossomed during training camp and continues to be the highlight of the day.
Should Pop Douglas be WR1 after his play so from camp?@tkyles39 thinks so:
— Patriots on CLNS (@PatriotsCLNS) August 6, 2025
“DeMario Douglas looks like the WR #1”
Watch full joint practice recap: https://t.co/rJq9kjLqie pic.twitter.com/lxEEr4AGND
It's an unexpected development that's difficult to argue is a bad thing, as now it looks like the offense will have two starting-level players for Maye to work with this fall, who will make defenses sweat when preparing to take on the Patriots.
The Patriots might unexpectedly have two WR1s on the 2025 roster
Since his 2023 draft, Douglas has shown to be an explosive option for the Patriots offense, proving to be a borderline type of receiver they could really highlight every week during a game.
He has been one of the most consistent players over the last two years, working with various quarterbacks and yet still recording 115 receptions for 1,182 yards and three touchdowns. Douglas has become the slot player of the Patriots' dreams, and he should flourish even more now that McDaniels is back to calling plays.
We're already seeing that during practice, and it's prompting many to suggest that Douglas is the WR1 that New England has been longing for, which is excellent timing considering they also have Diggs on the roster and a budding superstar in rookie Kyle Williams.
Although Maye has been targeting Diggs a lot during practice, the chemistry he has already built with Douglas provides some comfort when the offense is on the field and the quarterback needs to make a play. That will work wonders during a season with analysts projecting a potential playoff run, as Douglas can be the under-the-radar weapon that nobody expected to break out.
This could be the first time in who knows how long that the Patriots offense has multiple explosive options for their quarterback to work with in the receiving corps. We'd have to go back to the days of Brady under center to see the last time that was apparent, with big-time names like Julian Edelman and Rob Gronkowski.
Fortunately, prioritizing building around Maye is already paying off for Mike Vrabel and Co., even if the rise of Douglas wasn't something they necessarily prepared for. They're going to largely benefit from his third-year jump, and the offense will inevitably be more explosive because of it.