DeMario Douglas is Ready to Bring Energy, Swagger in 2024

DeMario Douglas has been preparing for his second season with the New England Patriots this offseason. Based on his press conference with the media this week, the man they call ‘Pop’ is ready to get things going. Douglas touched on what he expects in 2024 and other topics as well.

As a rookie, Douglas found himself in Bill Belichick’s doghouse early after a costly fumble in Week 2 against the Miami Dolphins. He also missed three games due to two different stints in concussion protocol. Fortunately for Douglas, there were more positives than negatives in the sixth-round pick’s rookie performance.

Douglas finished the season with 49 receptions for 561 yards. He led New England wide receivers in both categories. Douglas also never fumbled again after the Miami game. He won the Mike Haynes Award as the Patriots Rookie of the Year at season’s end.

Read More: 2023 New England Patriots Awards

But despite a solid start to his NFL career, DeMario Douglas doesn’t plan to rest on his laurels. “I feel like I can always improve in every aspect.”

Acknowledging room for improvement should not be confused with a lack of confidence in his abilities.

“I always play with confidence,” stated Douglas. “(If) I can’t play with confidence, I shouldn’t be out there.”

DeMario Douglas also touched on a few other matters during his brief meeting with the media.

Changing to No. 3

Douglas wore No. 81 as a rookie. He has switched to No. 3, which the departed Mack Wilson Sr. wore in 2023. There were multiple reasons for the change.

For one, it’s a number he had always worn, from Little League to Liberty University. But there is a more special reason for the selection.

“The three is big for me because I was raised by three strong ladies, my mom, grandma, and my great-grandma. So that carries weight also.”

New England’s Rookie Wide Receivers

The Patriots selected wide receivers Ja’Lynn Polk and Javon Baker in the draft. Douglas states he had yet to meet his new teammates, but had watched them play. His impression?

“Both some dogs,” observed Douglas. “So we’ll definitely add some dogs to the room.”

Tyquan Thornton

Douglas was also asked about a returning New England Patriots wide receiver, Tyquan Thornton. After being taken by New England in Round 2 of the 2021 NFL Draft, Thornton has struggled to stay healthy and produce. He now finds himself battling for a roster spot heading into training camp.

“I’ve been with him the whole offseason working,” Douglas said of Thornton. “He’s going the right way. He’s working.”

Those offseason workouts have also included Kendrick Bourne and quarterback Bailey Zappe.

“We’ve been pushing each other,” said Douglas. “We’ve been competing.”

Goals for 2024

In addition to improving on last season’s record, Douglas also knows what he wants to do in year two.

“Last year was my first year. That was my ‘welcome to the league’ type of year. This year I just come in, play with confidence, faith, and come play with that swagger,” he said with a smile.

“Bring that energy to the team, like KB (Kendrick Bourne),” Douglas added. “Bring that energy also to the team. And we go out there and play with some swag this year.”

The New England Patriots are certainly excited to see DeMario Douglas improve on his promising first season in the NFL. He has already made a positive first impression on Patriots fans. Now everyone is excited to see what the revamped wide receiver room in Foxboro will look like on the field in 2024.