Patriots rookie WR Demario Douglas listed as a possible ‘Breakout Participant of the Yr’

Patriots

“This man, ‘Pop’ Douglas? He is part of the offensive recreation plan.”

Demario Douglas’ inventory continues to rise in NFL circles.

The Patriots extensive receiver and 2023 sixth-round choose possible shored up his spot on the Patriots’ 53-man roster early into coaching camp after persistently dominating throughout staff drills and incomes first-round reps with Mac Jones.

However Fox Sports activities author and NFL Community broadcaster Peter Schrager believes that the rookie wideout is greater than only a nice shock on New England’s depth chart.

As is the case on the finish of each August since 2018, Schrager revealed his annual “High 10 Breakout Gamers of the Yr” record throughout Wednesday’s “Good Morning Soccer” present on NFL Community.

He tabbed Douglas with the No. 5 spot on his record, lauding Douglas’ ankle-breaking skillset and stop-and-start acceleration.

Since 2018, @PSchrags has revealed his High 10 Breakout Gamers of the Yr within the final week of August.

A @Patriots rookie is on the record.

“He is had an superior camp and a legit function on this offense. ‘Pop’ Douglas goes to be a reputation we’re speaking about this season.” pic.twitter.com/GU2Qox4xHu

— Good Morning Soccer (@gmfb) August 30, 2023

“These are the strikes he’s been placing on all camp,” Schrager stated of one among Douglas’ receptions throughout New England’s preseason recreation towards Inexperienced Bay again on Aug. 19. “Quantity 81 — The previous Antonio Brown quantity. …Had 4 completely different quarterbacks at Liberty, together with Malik Willis, and but nonetheless put up monster numbers in each a type of offensive seasons.

“The Patriots teaching employees had him within the East-West Shrine recreation and so they had been like, ‘Preserve that quiet.’ Drafted him within the sixth spherical and the monitor star like he’s proper there — 22-years-old, sixth-round choose, two-time chief in receptions and receiving yards in school, 2021 and 2022.”

After all, Douglas nonetheless possible sits no less than fourth or fifth on New England’s depth chart at wideout, with JuJu Smith-Schuster, DeVante Parker, and Kendrick Bourne forward of him.

However Schrager believes that Douglas will issue closely into New England’s offensive scheme this season, particularly after the Patriots opted to restrict how a lot tape groups may compile of the rookie throughout preseason reps.

“’Pop’ Douglas, sixth-round choose, and also you’re like, ‘Nicely, what about that extensive receivers room? The place does he slot in?’ Simply keep watch over him,” Schrager stated. “Regulate him. And now what’s the expectation? 100 catches? No. However if you happen to’re gonna be watching the Patriots, simply know that this man, ‘Pop’ Douglas? He’s part of the offensive recreation plan.

“They’ve been retaining him quiet a little bit bit. He’s had nice practices. Perhaps not a nationwide identify but, actually not being drafted in your fantasy leagues. However once you make the breakout gamers record, it doesn’t come from me simply throwing stuff on the wall. This comes from intel inside each group. ‘Pop’ Douglas makes the record at No. 5.”

Because the Patriots look to proper the ship following a dysfunctional 2022 marketing campaign, having a fleet-footed pass-catcher like Douglas added to the combo ought to assist a Patriots offense set to dial up loads of screens, RPOs and short-yardage throws this fall.