The massive changes made to the Patriots' offense this offseason were very much needed and put Drake Maye in a much better situation than he was given as a rookie. The upgraded offensive line protection he will inevitably get from Will Campbell at left tackle and Morgan Moses on the right side will make his job much easier, on top of the list of receivers and running backs he will have to work with.
Perhaps the most exciting names of all are veteran Stefon Diggs and rookie Kyle Williams, two receivers expected to have big-time seasons during their first year in Foxboro. Diggs will provide the veteran insurance to boost Maye's game, and Williams will bring the explosiveness the offense lacked last year.
Although there are questions surrounding them both heading into training camp for different reasons, Diggs is already proving to be an invaluable addition to the team, especially with how he's deciding to be a mentor to the younger players around him, specifically Williams.
The rookie couldn't have a better player to learn from, as Diggs has consistently been among the best at the position in the league, and the veteran's desire to pass his knowledge to the up-and-coming (hopeful) star is a great sign for the Patriots' chances this fall.
Stefon Diggs' value to the Patriots continues to go beyond the football field
During a recent players' trip that Maye reportedly put together, Diggs spoke about wanting to help out Williams in his transition to the NFL. As a seasoned veteran of the league and a roster lock, his passion for the game and his experience are great to share with the Patriots' next star, and Diggs is making sure he does what he can to ensure that happens.
“Man to man, though, that’s where you get money at. Good on good, I got to really win. I got to bring out the toolbox. I want him to have my whole little toolbox.”
Diggs' start in the NFL was much different than Williams, as he was a fifth-round pick during the 2015 draft. He went on to become an immediate weapon for the Vikings and quickly ascended into super stardom, which made him a desirable trade option for the Bills in 2020.
His rise continued with Josh Allen, helping the Bills make deep playoff runs until he was eventually traded to the Texans in 2024. He's now part of the Patriots and can use that chip on his shoulder to help the next generation of wide receivers, starting with Williams.
That's ultimately what makes the Patriots' gamble on Diggs an even more impressive decision because he becomes a far more valuable piece of their roster and locker room than just what he can do on the field. His leadership, experience, and desire to be a mentor are not something that can be taught or forced. Diggs is prioritizing it because it's what he wants to do, and he must see something great in Williams to take him under his wing.
It says a lot about what Williams' future could look like and how impactful Diggs' presence can be for the Patriots throughout his three-year tenure.