it only took 1 practice for Patriots' trade candidate to ignite new roster battle

The Patriots opened OTAs with media access, giving fans an early look at the reigning AFC Champions. DeMario Douglas stood out on offense by leading the day in catches, including four receptions on five targets and a long crosser that would likely have been a touchdown in a regular season. The performance immediately intensified competition among receivers for final roster spots. Romeo Doubs is expected to be the WR1, with AJ Brown trade scenarios potentially shifting him to WR2. Douglas has an opportunity to earn a role, but he faces competition from Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism. His chances remain uncertain despite flashes of impact.

"DeMario Douglas stealing the spotlight with the most catches on the day, even above new receiver Romeo Doubs. He was Drake Maye's favorite target, recording four receptions on five targets, and one of the most impressive was a long crosser route that reporters declared would have been a touchdown during a regular season game."

"It's the kind of start Douglas needed ahead of training camp, and he will need to keep the momentum going during the summer to solidify his role on the offense because, as of right now, his chances aren't looking too good. However, his performance immediately ignites a roster battle within the receiving corps, which was already predicted to happen, but Douglas wasn't expected to kick things off."

"With Doubs expected to be the WR1, unless the Patriots successfully trade for Brown, then he'd be the WR2, the rest of the depth chart is yet to be decided. That gives Douglas a chance to compete for a role, although many have already suggested he's a long shot to make the team."

"He will have to keep up with teammates like Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins, maybe even Kyle Williams, and certainly beat Efton Chism in order to secure a locker this season. But there is a chance it won't matter much what he does, because this wouldn't be the first summer in which he's outperformed some of his teammates and hasn't been given a proper opportunity to use his skills once the season started."

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