3 Long-Shots Who Will Make the Patriots Roster

2. Demario Douglas

Demario Douglas is well aware of his status as a long-shot to make Belichick’s final roster. Not only is the 22-year-old facing an uphill battle as a sixth-round pick out of Liberty, but he’s a smaller wide receiver at 5-foot-8 and 192 pounds.

While some players of Douglas’ stature would struggle at the professional, it didn’t take long for him to look comfortable in training camp. He’s done everything that the coaching staff has asked for, using his reliable route running and blistering speed to prove why he deserves to be on the gridiron come September.

Douglas is exactly the type of weapon that Mac Jones could use in the passing game. The Jacksonville, Florida, native is the only wideout on the roster who’s under six feet tall, making him a speedy threat that can play out of the slot.

What increases Douglas’ odds to make the September roster is that he has been playing with both Jones and Zappe during practice. If the Patriots saw him as a true long-shot or practice squad candidate, chances are he would be spending more time with the reserves.

Douglas can also improve his chances if he makes more of a statement this weekend than he did in the preseason opener. After failing to be targeted once against the Texans, I expect the ex-Flame to make some noises against beatable Green Bay secondary.