There’s no question this season has been brutal to watch for the New England Patriots. They are sitting at 3-10 on the season and considered one of the worst teams in the NFL.
Yet, there are some players who have been bright spots and deserve a larger role next season.
Now, these things could change as it is likely a new regime will be in place next year, and they may move to get their own players through the draft and free agency.
But there are three players in particular that have made the most out of limited playing time and deserve a much larger role in 2024.
WR Demario Douglas
Demario “Pop” Douglas has popped in his rookie season, and he has made the most out of every snap possible. However, the Patriots should utilize him as a legitimate weapon in 2024 and make him a focal point of their offense.
Even if the Patriots add offensive talent through the draft or in the veteran market, modern offenses need multiple packages and multiple weapons. Douglas has done his very best and deserves a spot in the starting slot role.
With some more established outside threats on the roster, he could benefit the most by becoming a productive YAC receiver and a truly special weapon for creative coordinators.
TE Pharaoh Brown
Pharaoh Brown might not be an elite tight end, but he has been productive as the team’s best blocking tight end. He can also move pretty well for his size.
If the Patriots wish to run it back with Hunter Henry, they should also do so with Brown, while letting Mike Gesicki walk in free agency. Brown is everything this team wants in a tight end, and he could be a nice bridge from Henry to a new tight end, if the team signs or drafts one.
He can block, and he is athletic enough to catch passes and turn it into positive gains. Henry and Gesicki might get all of the attention, but Brown has been the most efficient player at the tight end position for the Patriots this season.
LB Marte Mapu
Marte Mapu was drafted early and looked primed for a big role in the defense, but he has yet to catch on. In his limited snaps, he has looked good in coverage and could actually transition to free safety.
Mapu has played well enough to deserve more playing time, and the Patriots will likely have more time for him, as their logjam at safety could be cleared up in the offseason.
If Kyle Dugger signs elsewhere, Mapu could easily fill in and start playing to his strengths. Mapu is extremely versatile and could play linebacker, safety or “star backer” in money defenses. He could be a defensive weapon for whoever is running things next season.
There’s no doubt he has the tools necessary to be an annoyance for NFL offenses in the modern era.
