Stefon Diggs has something to prove in New England. After a career-worst 2024 season cut short by injury, the veteran receiver isn’t just focused on his own comeback. He’s taking the young guys under his wing, and that mentorship could be exactly what the Patriots need to finally give their franchise quarterback the weapons he deserves.
How Will Stefon Diggs’ Mentorship Impact Kyle Williams’ Development?
The Patriots used the first four selections of the 2025 NFL Draft on the offensive side and landed a steal in the third round with former Washington State receiver Kyle Williams at No. 69. Williams has starter potential as a rookie, and Diggs is ready to teach him everything he knows to fast-track his growth.
The pair were training together in North Carolina alongside Drake Maye and fellow receiver Kendrick Bourne ahead of training camp. The former Houston Texans receiver said he wanted to teach the rookie “his whole toolbox.”
“Man to man, though, that’s where you get money at. Good on good, I got to really win. I got to bring out the toolbox. I want him to have my whole little toolbox.”
That’s an encouraging sign for the Patriots, and it looks like the decision to give him a three-year, $69 million deal is paying off. Additionally, the 31-year-old is grateful for the opportunity to still play in the league after being drafted in the fifth round of the 2015 NFL Draft.
“I was a fifth-round draft pick,” he said in a vlog of his European vacation. “I beat everybody out of a job. That’s how I got my start. I got my opportunity, and I took advantage, and I got better each and every week. Now, I’m going into the new situation. I love that God gave me the opportunity again. There is no second chances with this [expletive]. You gotta take advantage of the right now.”
What Does Diggs’ 2025 Season Mean for His Patriots Role?
Diggs is coming off the worst season of his 10-year NFL career, as injuries limited him to just eight games in 2024. He finished with 496 receiving yards and three touchdowns on 47 receptions, all of which mark career lows for the star wide receiver.
The torn ACL he suffered in Week 8 ended more than just his season. It brought his streak of four consecutive Pro Bowl selections and four consecutive seasons with at least 100 receptions and eight touchdown receptions to an end. He also saw his streak of six straight 1,000-yard seasons snapped.
However, he not only appears to be back to his explosive self but also much more composed and mature. While several red flags have been raised about the receiver, he appears locked in on making an impact on the franchise. Diggs not only continues to put in the work to recover from his torn ACL but also appears committed to lifting the rookie receivers around him.
