The Patriots' 2024 wide receiver room was an embarrassment to poor wide receiver rooms. Their leading pass-catcher caught 66 passes, which is an average of less than four over a 17-game season. That helps lead to a 4-13 season, even with a top quarterback at the helm. It's just not good enough.
When Mike Vrabel took command, he knew it was an area he had to bolster in a hurry if he had any thoughts of turning around a lackluster offense. He moved expeditiously and signed two free agents, both of whom formerly played well for the Buffalo Bills. (Thank you!)
One was Mack Hollins, a big receiver who doesn't catch many throws, but when he does, he makes them count. Hollins is a first-down and touchdown-making machine, two elements largely missing from the 2024 Patriots' offense. In addition, Vrabel drafted the electric Kyle Williams from Washington State. But his biggest catch was former multi-Pro-Bowler Stefon Diggs.
Stefon Diggs is dissed by PFF in their list of top 32 NFL wide receivers
Stefon Diggs didn't play much in 2024 due to an ACL tear, and he's still technically rehabbing that injury now. But when wealthy Diggs is a bona fide NFL star. All signs are now pointing (and that was questioned earlier) that his rehab is going swimmingly. He's looking terrific in OTAs, and that's a great sign.
Yet, PFF still disregarded his previous achievements and left him, as well as unsurprisingly, any and every other Patriot receiver, off their list of the NFL's top 32. That no Patriots' 2024 receiver was on the list is no shock whatsoever. When your leading receiver catches 66 passes (Demario Douglas), there aren't many accolades coming your way. That is eminently understandable.
Yet Diggs is a different scenario altogether. Diggs has been a multi-Pro Bowl player in his 10-year career. He's broken the 1000-yard barrier six times, and twice more was close. This is a top NFL receiver, and although he'll be 32 years old later on, he's a tremendously well-conditioned athlete. While this is disappointing, let's take a look at the positives for the Patriots in this slight.
The silver lining in Stefon Diggs not making PFFs latest ranking
PFF did the Patriots a big favor in leaving Stefon Diggs off their list of top 32 receivers—a huge favor. As if the former Bills receiver needed any more incentive, he now can add another chip on his shoulder as big as a 2 X 4. Thank you, PFF!
Observers have discounted Diggs for several reasons. Whether it be his advancing age (as though 31 were old!) or his injury status (a legitimate concern), he's been marginalized to a certain extent. And this couldn't have worked out any better for the Patriots.
The Patriots' receiver room needs a leader, and Diggs is already exerting leadership as the Alpha wide receiver. He's also a hard worker, and that will rub off on his young teammates. Diggs appears to be making excellent progress in his rehab, and that's a simply excellent development for the Patriots.
A healthy and well-motivated Stefon Diggs, along with fellow veteran Mack Hollins, young Demario Douglas, rookie flash, Kyle Williams, and undrafted free agent, slot phenom, Efton Chism III might just surprise the NFL. It's a dream scenario for second-year quarterback Drake Maye and Patriot Nation, which should expect a 2025 playoff berth. This new vista is coming to a stadium near you. Enjoy!