FOXBOROUGH – It hasn’t taken Stefon Diggs long to make an impact in New England.
The Patriots receiver wasn’t at the first two OTA sessions but has already taken a vocal role on the practice field for the offense. Monday’s minicamp marked the second time Diggs has practiced in front of the media.
Although he’s still limited, due to a knee injury, it’s noteworthy how much the veteran speaks to the younger receivers around him. Diggs, 31, has been seen speaking with the likes of Kayshon Boutte, Ja’Lynn Polk, and others throughout each session.
After practice, Drake Maye said Diggs has also been very vocal with him.
“He comes in here lifting, in the meetings asking questions,” Maye said. “He comes to me after plays asking, ‘Hey, what should I have done there?’ ‘Hey, in times past, I’ve done this when the guy’s playing this leverage.’ Things like that. He’s seen a lot of things, played a long time in this league, so it’s been great for me.”
Last year, Diggs was named a captain in his first season with the Houston Texans. Although he hasn’t been around the Patriots for too long, he’s already taking on a leadership role.
He’s also super vocal and animated on the field – often running on the field during a big play. For example, Diggs was one of the first players to run on the field after undrafted rookie Lan Larison caught a touchdown pass on Monday.
The receiver was also vocal and upset when it looked like DeMario Douglas was interfered with in the end zone.
In practice, Diggs is routinely the first receiver in line for drills. After each rep, he vocalizes either his happiness or displeasure with his rep. On Monday, he went up to Patriots receivers coach Todd Downing after one rep to make sure he ran his route the way the coach asked.
“Leader. A go-getter. He works hard. You can all see it. He works hard every day. It’s not just behind the scenes – he’s actually working. I feel like he’s bringing along the young guys,” Douglas said. “He doesn’t let up on nobody. If you don’t get your depth on a route, he’s going to say something.”
This offseason, Diggs made headlines for the wrong reason when a video was released of him partying on a yacht and handing out a mystery substance to a group of women. After that situation made headlines, the receiver came to Foxborough last week to practice with his teammates.
It’s taken little time for the Patriots to be impressed with the veteran on the field and inside Gillette Stadium.
“He seems like an awesome teammate. He’s next door to my locker mate, so one down from beside me. We talk all the time,” Maye said. “He’s a veteran in this league. Made a lot of plays. Played in a lot of big-time games. Just an awesome voice for the receiver room, this offense. He’s played in some playoff games. He’s had some big games. I think once he kind of recovers and gets back out there, I’m looking forward to being able to throw him a few footballs. It’s always good to have a guy like that on your team.”
The Patriots signed Diggs to a 3-year, $69 million contract this offseason with the hope that he’d provide the team with a legitimate No. 1 receiver. The veteran still hasn’t had a full practice with the Patriots, but he’s making an impact during his little time in Foxborough.
“He’s trying to figure out where everything is and what his role is and making sure that as we add those situations – the third down, the no-huddle and red zone – that he’s staying up on it, working hard in his rehab,” Mike Vrabel said. “Certain drills he can be out there and there’s certain drills that he won’t be, but I think he’s engaged and I like his energy.”