DeMario Douglas Set for Massive Role Change as Patriots Plan Major Offensive Shift
DeMario Douglas Set for Massive Role Change as Patriots Plan Major Offensive Shift
DeMario Douglas Set for Massive Role Change as Patriots Plan Major Offensive Shift
Mike Vrabel wants the New England Patriots to make a big change involving wide receiver DeMario Douglas. Specifically, the head coach is keen for offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and his staff “to find ways to get” the pass-catcher entering the final year of his rookie contract more targets.
Vrabel shared his thoughts about Douglas’ development and role in the passing game for 2026 during the NFL’s annual owners meeting. As Vrabel explained, “I think Pop is a player that’s going to really continue to grow and develop, and we have to find ways to get him the ball,” per MassLive.com’s Karen Guregian.
It makes sense for Vrabel to want the Patriots to get Douglas more involved. And not just because the team dumped seven-time 1,000-yard receiver Stefon Diggs.
Douglas isn’t Diggs, but the record-breaking former sixth-round pick is a natural slot with the after-catch skills to thrive in McDaniels’ offense. Unfortunately, that was more theory than fact in 2025, but Douglas has shown promising signs this offseason he’s ready to take on a bigger role in a receiver corps sans Diggs.
DeMario Douglas Putting in Work
He couldn’t justify breakout predictions a year ago, but Douglas did offer a reminder of his potential as a playmaker during New England’s playoff run. This 27-yard catch and run for a touchdown against the Houston Texans in the Divisional Round was the kind of play Douglas should feast on in this offense.
McDaniels has a rich history of freeing swift and diminutive receivers on shallow crossing patterns, usually from the slot. The easily repeatable concept helped make Troy Brown, Wes Welker, Danny Amendola and Julian Edelman franchise legends.
Douglas has the core attributes to one day join this list, provided he develops more consistent technique. He hasn’t always ran routes at the right depth, nor made the best decisions with the ball in his hands.
A notable lowlight in Douglas’ career occurred against the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 3. When he caught a pass on 4th-and-1 and inexplicably took a step back, leading to him being tackled short of the sticks.
Vrabel pointed out “Douglas probably needed to run one revolution further but reiterates he has to knife between two defenders,” per the Boston Herald’s Doug Kyed.
Getting the mechanics right is crucial in McDaniels’ system where timing and quick adjustments are key. Improvement in this area won’t happen overnight, but fortunately, there have been numerous examples of Douglas putting in the work this offseason.
