Throughout OTAs, minicamp, and the first two days of Training Camp, the presence of Stefon Diggs has been palpable — both on and off the field.
For fans, his pedigree brings instant interest and swagger to a team that desperately needed it — as evidenced by the loud ovations he’s received at camp, second only to those for quarterback Drake Maye. For his teammates, he brings veteran experience to a receiving corps that’s been searching just as desperately.
The 10-year veteran has been the first to participate when the wide receivers have gone into individual drills. After his rep, he often mentors the younger players. It’s a form of leadership that is invaluable to players like third-year receiver DeMario “Pop” Douglas, as he told WEEI Afternoons’ Andy Hart and Nick’ Fitzy’ Stevens.
“Great leadership, on and off the field. Man, he’s that guy who’s not scared to tell you what you need to hear. Not what you want to hear, what you need to hear,” Douglas said. “Definitely a great asset to the team. Man, we needed him. He’s good on the field, but he’s good off the field. He’s gonna tell you what you need to do.”
Diggs is one of several players Douglas got to know better during a team trip to North Carolina, organized by Drake Maye and attended by many of the team’s offensive skill players. Douglas called the throwing sessions — and the jet ski rides that came with it — the highlight of his summer.
“That was everything,” said Douglas. “We needed that. That definitely got me closer to my teammates. I know who I’m playing with. I always knew who I was playing with, but now I really know, like, he’s fighting for something. I got to know them deeply.”
Douglas, who totaled 66 catches and three touchdowns last season — both tied for the team lead — along with 621 receiving yards, could play a prominent role in Josh McDaniels’ offense this year, which has traditionally relied heavily on slot receivers. When asked whether 100 catches, a number Hart has penciled in, was a realistic goal, Douglas couldn’t hide his smile.
“I pray. I pray,” he said with a smile. “Whatever comes my way, I’m going to make that play.”
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