“Pop” Douglas is popping at Patriots Training Camp

Posted By on July 30, 2023

Rookie wide receiver Demario Douglas has been one of the early stars of Patriots training camp. The diminutive sixth round draft choice out of Liberty has caught people’s attention through four camp practices and has made the most of his opportunities thus far.

“Pop” as he is called has impressed both as a receiver and as a return man. The humble Douglas is just trying to soak it all in. He says it is blessing being about to take the field each day.

“It’s a blessing to be out here, to be out here with your brothers.”  Douglas added: I just do what I can. I take every play, play by play and just keep going.”

Douglas is indeed just going. He has routinely made his defensive teammates miss tackles in space when they are trying to tackle him one on one. Douglas has also been able to create separation and track balls over the top. He has been as advertised when it comes to his speed and athleticism both vertically and underneath in the three step passing game.

When asked about going from an offense where he was featured more vertically to the Patriots system where he is running more underneath and outside routes, Douglas said he is used to the quick stuff.

“I feel like it is the same. At Liberty we went through four different quarterbacks so we had to do quick stuff so I feel I had to adapt to it.”

Speed and explosive plays defined Douglas’ college career but when he was told that opposing coaches used the term “fast” to best describe his game, Douglas said it is more about people’s perception than what he thinks but he agreed that he is fast.

“Yes sir. Everyone has their own perception of me but yeah. I think I have speed to my game.”

Douglas’ speed was evident throughout practice today. He has repped with the first, second and third teams and has made the most of his opportunity. For Douglas, each rep is an opportunity to show the coaching staff what he can do.

“Just going with it. Going with everybody. I am going to do what I can do. I just want to show the coaches what I can do.”

Douglas playmaking ability even got Bill Belichick’s attention who fist bumped the rookie receiver after he made a defender miss in space during a team period. Most rookies might be ecstatic that a legendary coach like Belichick took notice of them making a play but not Douglas. He said that he focused on the next play and doing what he is supposed to do.

Douglas is also fully aware of the Patriots slot receiver lineage. He was asked if he watches film of former Patriot slot receivers Troy Brown and Wes Welker. Brown of course coaches the receivers and the returners and he works with Douglas directly. Douglas said he has learned a lot from the Patriots legend.

“Great wisdom. He played also you have Coach Ross (Douglas) . It is them two together. It makes a big difference.” Douglas continued: “I have watched Welker. When they play highlights, I watched what they do because they were successful.”

When asked what his favorite moment in camp has been, Douglas said with a smile on his  “Everything.” You can see it with Douglas. He loves playing football and that is why “Pop” has “popped “in training camp thus far and made a favorable impression.

If you want any early favorite to make the 53 man roster that wasn’t originally in your early projections, you just found him. It is Demario Douglas.