Training camp is just one week away and there is a lot to look forward to from the Patriots under Mike Vrabel. The excitement continues to grow and how the team looks when the pads come out will only heighten the optimism regarding their chances at the revival fans have been wanting to see for what feels like an eternity.
Based on the additions they made to the roster in free agency and the draft, it seems fair to assume that they're closer to accomplishing that than they have been in any of the previous five years, especially with players like Stefon Diggs and Milton Williams.
The offense, in particular, is in a much better spot than they were just one year ago, which is a significant development for a young franchise quarterback like Drake Maye and a predominately inexperienced receiving corps.
The decision to add Diggs, despite many feeling it was a questionable signing because of his injury, plus signing Mack Hollins, is already paying off for Vrabel and Co., as seen in the latest episode of the team's offseason documentary, "Forged in Foxboro." The impact they hoped they'd have on the team is going beyond their in-game production, which is exactly what a rebuilding team needs to set a healthy foundation and solid mentality moving forward.
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One of the most concerning parts of the Patriots receiving corps during the 2024 season was their general lack of experience in the locker room. Although Kendrick Bourne was (and still is) on the team, he began the season on injured reserve, as he was still working his way back from an ACL injury suffered the year before, so his veteran leadership and reliability was very much missed.
That won't be a problem this year, with Bourne projected to make the team even more so since Josh McDaniels is back, plus the positive role that Diggs and Hollins are already making on the rest of the group, which DeMario Douglas explained in the documentary.
“When you've got [Stefon] Diggs, Mack [Hollins] come in, them guys good leaders, vocal leaders that ain’t scared to say nothing to anybody. I feel like they added great strength and competition to our room."
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The instant jump to being a leader for not just the receivers but the locker room shows just how great the additions of Diggs and Hollins were and will be for the Patriots this season. Their experience in the league and with different offenses will inevitably play a role in how they help the other players on offense specifically, and that effort will be seen on game day.
It goes to show just how keen an eye Vrabel and Co. have for the right talent to add to the team, which they stressed was among the most important aspects in their decision-making process in free agency and the draft.
Prioritizing players who wanted to be with the team, buy into what they're trying to accomplish on and off the team and be the kind of leader that makes a long lasting impact are all traits that Diggs and Hollins have already demonstrated in just a few short months, all of which their new teammates are benefitting from well before the season begins.
How that translates onto the football field is going to be a beautiful thing to watch this fall.