Patriots' Fantasy Football Draft Targets: TreVeyon Henderson, Stefon Diggs and More

Let's dive back into the fantasy football outlooks by going over the New England Patriots.

We have looked at the Steelers, Packers, Titans, Panthers, Chiefs, Falcons, Jaguars, Commanders, Texans, Cardinals, Bengals, Lions, Dolphins, 49ers, Chargers, Eagles, Ravens, Seahawks, Bills and Buccaneers so far. We will cover other teams in the days and weeks to come, so keep checking back.

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Drake Maye Fantasy Outlook

Maye had an OK rookie season, but is expected to take a step forward under a new coaching staff in 2025.

He led the team in fantasy points last season, which is a bit alarming considering he missed some games. So far, he's the 16th quarterback off draft boards and going near pick 125 on average.

In 12 starts and 13 games overall, Maye had 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions as a passer. He added 421 yards and two scores on the ground.

I like what the Patriots did this offseason, both on their coaching staff and roster, to surround Maye better. The offense is still so-so, but Maye is set up better for his second season for sure.

Taking him as your second fantasy quarterback later in a standard redraft league is fine by me. He'll need to prove he can deliver decent fantasy results before he's a good weekly option. Maye could erupt in his second year, but I see him as just a streaming option to kick off the season. I have a feeling he'll be part of a ton of fantasy start decisions at the quarterback position.

Running Back Fantasy Outlook

Rhamondre Stevenson and rookie TreVeyon Henderson are a good 1-2 punch at running back. Antonio Gibson could also factor into the offense too.

Henderson is the top-drafted New England back, going as RB20 and near pick 46 on average. 

He's projected as the No. 2 back right now, but also is expected to return kicks. Henderson returned a kickoff for a score this preseason, so if your league rewards returners, Henderson could add to his fantasy value that way.

The 38th overall pick from the most recent draft should be involved often early, and could eventually lead this backfield. He's worth a draft pick near his ADP, and could outperform his marks if he ends up leading the backfield. 

I'm a bit skeptical about taking him because I don't see a ton of room for him to be a draft steal. I see him more living up to his current marks, or failing to reach those marks.

Stevenson is RB39 and going around pick 106 so far. He's seen that mark drop, as Henderson has his draft stock improve.

Stevenson has fallen off since a big 2022 season - he had 1,461 total yards and six scores that year. He had 857 total yards and four touchdowns in 2023 and then had 969 yards and eight scores last season.

The Patriots drafted a running back in the second round for a reason, but I still think Stevenson will be pretty involved offensively this year. I expect him to lead the backfield early on, which will give him flex-level potential at least.

At his ADP, I see some draft value in getting Stevenson this season. The risk isn't that high, and he might stick in standard leagues all season, even if Henderson does emerge as the lead back.

Stevenson is a solid depth option in all leagues. I wouldn't want to have to rely on him starting weekly, even in deeper leagues, so plan your draft out accordingly.

Gibson is RB77 and going near pick 266 on average.

In his first season with the Pats in 2024, Gibson went for 744 total yards, but just one touchdown. He was the No. 2 back at that point, and will be the No. 3 guy if he sticks in New England.

He has some deep-league value, but isn't likely to get too involved unless Stevenson or Henderson are out for an extended period this season. A change of scenery could improve things for Gibson, so keep an eye on that as rosters are cut down.

Wide Receiver Fantasy Outlook

Stefon Diggs was brought in during free agency and should lead the wideout room this season. DeMario Douglas and Mack Hollins are the other projected starters, while Kayshon Boutte, rookie Kyle Williams, Efton Chism III, Javon Baker and Kendrick Bourne are some depth options.

Diggs is WR 36 and is going around pick 79 so far. He's coming off a major injury, but appears to be ready to roll for the regular season.

Diggs played in eight games last year, racking up 496 yards and three scores on 47 receptions and 64 targets with the Texans. 

He now gets a fresh start with a team looking for a No. 1 wideout. Reaching 1,000 yards and scoring five or more times should be doable for Diggs, if he stays healthy.

I see some great draft value in getting Diggs near his ADP. I think he's a good fantasy WR3, and could end up as a WR2 by the end of the season. I've been taking him near that ADP in a lot of my recent mock drafts, and think there's a good chance he becomes a draft steal this season.

Douglas is WR68 and going near pick 196. Williams is WR73 and sits near pick 219. Boutte is WR81 and is going on average around pick 274. Chism is WR105 and near pick 345.

Douglas and Williams are closest to standard leagues, but are better deep-league assets to kick off the season.

Douglas had 637 yards and three scores in his second NFL season. He barely improved his yardage, despite playing in all 17 games, which was three more than he played in as a rookie in 2023.

He is likely to be an inconsistent fantasy performer this season, especially with Diggs and some other new wideouts around now. Douglas could get into some standard leagues, but I doubt he sticks there.

Williams was a third-round pick of the team this offseason. Despite being projected as a backup, he'll have the chance to start over Hollins in time, if that doesn't happen right away.

I like Williams' upside over Douglas, and think he could emerge as the team's No. 2 wideout after Diggs. I'd be happy to draft Williams in deeper redraft leagues, and keep a close eye on him in case he delivers and works into standard leagues.

Boutte improved in his second NFL season, but all the new additions to the wideout room is likely to leave him in a reserve role now.

He had 589 yards and three scores over 15 games. That might be a decent projection for the upcoming season too, but that'd be on the higher end of things if everyone else stays healthy.

Boutte is a fine deep-league asset, but I don't see him becoming a big standard league target in time.

Chism was an undrafted rookie this offseason and has created waves with his play this preseason. He's projected as the top backup in the slot, which is filled by Douglas.

New England is searching for playmakers, and Chism might be able to chip in enough to gain some fantasy relevance this season. He'll need to prove it during the season to get into standard leagues, but I'd be fine using a very late pick in a deep league on him.

Tight End Fantasy Outlook

Hunter Henry is the team's top tight end. Austin Hooper is the secondary option in that TE room.

Henry is the only one on draft radars, going as TE19 and near pick 162. That makes him an option late in standard league drafts, but a better deep-league asset, especially considering his rank among tight ends.

In 16 games last season, Henry had 674 yards and two scores on 66 grabs and 97 targets. It was the most yards he's had in a season in his career, but the lack of touchdowns just made him a so-so fantasy option.

I wouldn't mind taking him late in a standard league draft, as I think he's going to finish quite a bit higher than his current marks. I could see him as a top-15 finisher, and being a streaming option throughout the season.

I really like adding Henry in deeper leagues, and think he'll be a good weekly starting option in those setups. There's not proven wideouts outside Diggs, so Henry definitely has room to factor in heavily. Don't overlook him this season.