Demario Douglas - Fantasy Points Outlook

Bottom Line

Douglas made the most of a bad situation in 2023.

The diminutive slot gained mid-season PPR value after the loss of Kendrick Bourne (ACL), hitting 10 PPR points five times.

Stiffer competition adds uncertainty to Douglas’ 2024 outlook. But the lack of a proven WR1 gives him the potential to lead this group in targets and catches.

What We Learned Last Year

• The Pats drafted Douglas (5’8, 192) in Round 6.
  • He became a surprise contributor for a squad that lost Kendrick Bourne to an October ACL tear.
• In nine games played from Week 7 on, Douglas hit 4+ catches six times.
  • Over that stretch, he finished as a top-36 WR five times – but never higher than WR24.
  • The main reason? He didn’t score on any of his 49 receptions.
  • He garnered only four red zone targets.
  • Douglas also sat out three games with two concussions.
• This entire unit was limited by poor QB play.
  • Mac Jones and Bailey Zappe combined to throw for 3,392 yards, 16 TDs, and 21 INTs.

What to Expect in 2024

• New England added WR reinforcements in the draft, selecting Ja’Lynn Polk (Round 2) and Javon Baker (Round 4).
  • Polk brings a physical, middle-of-the-field presence.
  • Baker’s best suited on the outside as a downfield winner.
• New England’s WR depth remains underwhelming a year after the group totaled only 5 TDs.
  • Kendrick Bourne and Demario Douglas return as short-range targets. Bourne is recovering from an early-season ACL tear.
  • K.J. Bourne joins after a four-year run in Minnesota. His yardage and TDs have dropped steadily since posting 50-655-7 as a rookie.
  • JuJu Smith-Schuster won’t be guaranteed a roster spot after an abysmal ‘23 (29-260-1 in 11 games). Over the offseason, he shared that he’s much healthier than he was last season.
• The Pats added much-needed QB talent.
  • Jacoby Brissett adds a veteran presence.
  • Drake Maye, the third overall pick, supplies longer-term upside.
  • Those guys will battle to start in training camp, but it’s reasonable for Maye to be developed slowly.
  • Alex Van Pelt arrives as the new play-caller. His units have ranked top 10 in rushes in four of five seasons as OC.