Patriots' Mike Vrabel Praises Demario Douglas' Football Energy and Growth
Patriots' Mike Vrabel Praises Demario Douglas' Football Energy and Growth originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
During Mike Vrabel's Monday morning media time, a reporter asked him about New England Patriots' receiver DeMario Douglas. Although Vrabel had high praise for the young receiver, his facial reaction may have told an even better story.
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Bottom line: Vrabel is a fan of Douglas.
"I love the person. I love his attitude. I love his spirit. He loves to practice. He loves to play this game. He loves football - that shows," Vrabel said. "I think he's gotten better. Moving him around, different places, he's picked up everything that we've asked him to do.
"So the more he understands, the more we give him, and so I'm excited to see where he continues to be and continues to grow."
Douglas will be entering his third year in the NFL in 2025. The Patriots drafted him in the sixth round of the 2023 NFL Draft.
The Patriots receiver has had two solid seasons where he's shown development each year. In 2023, Douglas caught 49 passes for 561 yards and ran for an additional 41 yards.
New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel speaks with the media.© Eric Canha-Imagn Images
In 2024, Douglas improved on those numbers by reeling in 66 passes for 621 yards and added three touchdowns.
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Although these numbers may not sound overly impressive, Douglas was the Patriots' leading receiver in 2024. Hunter Henry led the team with 674 receiving yards, but Douglas edged out Kayshon Boutte and Kendrick Bourne to lead the receivers.
The Patriots brought in All-Pro Stefon Diggs this season to be their No. 1 receiver and drafted Kyle Williams out of Washington State in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
The Patriots' receiver room has become a bit crowded, but expect Douglas to still start in the slot position and thrive in Josh McDaniels' offense.
"Once you're in that (play) book, and it becomes like second nature. It's amazing. That offense - I love this offense," Douglas said. "A lot of slots go crazy in this offense, and as I practice I see how it opens up. I feel like it's all going to come together."
When you listen to Douglas speak with reporters, you can see the excitement and energy he brings. The Patriots' slot receiver may have a chance to break out under his new coaching staff, and getting his new head coach to crack a smile while talking about him can only mean good things are ahead.
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Related: Stefon Diggs Gets Resounding Endorsement From New Key Teammate
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 10, 2025, where it first appeared.
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