With the 2025 NFL season fast approaching, New England Patriots wide receivers are feeling the heat — and according to longtime NFL reporter Karen Guregian, fear might just be their biggest motivator.

In her recent coverage of Patriots training camp, Guregian noted that while all eyes are on Stefon Diggs as the presumed WR1, it’s the players behind him on the depth chart who are playing with urgency. From rookies to veterans on the bubble, the message is clear: no spot is guaranteed.

“They’re practicing like their jobs are on the line — because they are,” Guregian wrote. “Aside from Diggs, nobody’s locked in. That kind of pressure has brought out more aggression, sharper routes, and a greater sense of focus across the board.”

That includes second-year wideout Ja’Lynn Polk, who just returned to practice after missing time with a minor muscle strain. Polk faces competition from veterans like Kendrick Bourne and new additions trying to prove they belong in Foxborough.

Even Diggs himself, while secure in status, has taken on a vocal leadership role — pushing teammates to match his intensity. The dynamic has created one of the more competitive receiver rooms the Patriots have had in years.

With offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt implementing new schemes and Jerod Mayo setting a tougher tone in his first year as head coach, every player knows that effort in camp may determine their future.

The stakes are high — and Guregian’s insight captures the reality: this isn’t just about winning games down the road — it’s about winning jobs right now.