Patriots: Forecasting Jacoby Brissett in 2016
This is the fifth installment in a 17-part series in which we are forecasting what 2016 holds in store for each member of the New England Patriots’ rookie class. Today, we’re forecasting former North Carolina State quarterback Jacoby Brissett in 2016.
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The skinny: Brissett boasts quarterbacking traits of mobility, arm strength and touch passing. Brissett was a playmaker in college and will need to display that playmaking ability in training camp if he wants to have any chance of ever unseating Jimmy Garoppolo as quarterback of the post-Brady era in New England.
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Pessimistic forecast: The Patriots sign a veteran to bolster training camp competition, and Brissett struggles mightily. In fact, the Patriots are more or less forced to cut Brissett, taking the veteran to be Garoppolo’s backup during Brady’s suspension. Since there isn’t enough room on the practice squad for a quarterback in addition to two passers on the active roster, Brissett is let loose before Week 1.
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Optimistic forecast: Brissett isn’t going to take away the Week 1 starting gig from Garoppolo since Jimmy G has two years of experience in the Patriots’ system, but he’s going to push Garoppolo more than anyone expected. Brissett easily brushes aside any veteran the Patriots may sign between now and training camp, and when Brady returns, a spot on the practice squad is waiting for the rookie. Down the road, expect Brissett to compete for the starting job with Garoppolo.
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Realistic forecast: Brissett looks, acts and plays like a rookie in training camp, learning some things the hard way. That being said, he does win the backup job behind Garoppolo and suits up for Weeks 1-4. At face value, the realistic forecast is the same as the optimistic forecast; the only difference is that Brissett gives Garoppolo less of a threat, if we’re being realistic.
Next: AFC Power Rankings: Pats top post-draft edition
What do you think 2016 has in store for Brissett? Comment below.