"Of all the receiver storylines, one of the more notable elements is the changing of Pop Douglas's role. Historically, he was one of the offense's more talented wideouts, and because of that, he retained the slot receiver role almost exclusively. He had 115 catches for 1,182 yards and three touchdowns in his first two seasons, but this year was relegated to the depth chart rather early."
"He had only two catches from seven targets in his first game, and oddly enough, totaled -2 yards but also had a touchdown. He played 63% of offensive snaps in that game, and has since eclipsed 28% of offensive snaps in a game only once. Stefon Diggs' slot snaps increased through the year as the team grew to opt for Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins as the outside options, and Douglas's role continued to lessen."
"While it may not have been what he imagined, Douglas has found a new and unexpected role as a chain mover and run after catch threat. 14 of his 24 catches this year have been for first downs, a 58.3% rate that bests the rates of his previous two seasons (53% and 46.9%). Aside from his chain-moving ability, Douglas has been a more impressive deep threat than he ever has before."
Pop Douglas has shifted from an almost exclusive slot role to a reduced snap share while developing a new niche as a chain-mover and improved deep threat. He recorded 115 catches for 1,182 yards and three touchdowns across his first two seasons but saw diminished usage this year, including only two catches for -2 yards and a touchdown in his first game despite 63% of offensive snaps. Stefon Diggs absorbed more slot snaps as Kayshon Boutte and Mack Hollins became primary outside options. Douglas has 14 of 24 catches going for first downs (58.3%), matched his career touchdown total, and has six games with catches of 25-plus yards.
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