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Patriots: Forecasting Malcolm Mitchell in 2016

By Connor Fulton

Nov 15, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (26) celebrates his touchdown catch next to wide receiver Michael Bennett (82) in the first quarter of their game against the Auburn Tigers at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 15, 2014; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (26) celebrates his touchdown catch next to wide receiver Michael Bennett (82) in the first quarter of their game against the Auburn Tigers at Sanford Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports /
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This is the eighth 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 Georgia wideout Malcolm Mitchell in 2016.

Musket Fire Thursday Roundtable 5/19

The skinny: The Patriots used the No. 112 overall selection in the 2016 NFL Draft to nab Mitchell, who fought through injuries during his days as a Bulldog but was outstanding when he was on the field. He enters a crowded wide receiver depth chart in New England, but it won’t be an insurmountable task for Mitchell to break into the rotation as a perimeter threat.

Evaluating roster chances of every Patriots draft pick

Pessimistic forecast: Mitchell struggles mightily early and often in training camp, even getting outplayed by undrafted rookie Devin Lucien. Injuries become an issue within a few weeks and Mitchell is let go by the third week of August.

Pessimistic stats projection: None because he gets cut.

Optimistic forecast: Mitchell not only makes the team, but he becomes the No. 3 wideout behind Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola by outperforming veteran additions Chris Hogan and Nate Washington. For the first time since Brandon LaFell in 2014 (NOT the 2015 version of LaFell), the Patriots have a formidable outside threat to compliment Edelman, Amendola and Rob Gronkowski.

Optimistic stats projection: 51 receptions, 617 yards, four touchdowns

In-depth: Patriots draft review and grades

Realistic forecast: Certainly, Mitchell makes the team, but it will take some time for the rookie to get caught up to speed in the New England aerial attack. He begins the season as the No. 4 wideout behind Edelman, Amendola and Hogan.

Realistic stats projection: 30 receptions, 445 yards, two touchdowns

For more reading on Mitchell, be sure to check out our Musket Fire Thursday Roundtable from this week, as Mitchell was one of the topics of discussion.

Next: AFC Power Rankings: Pats top post-draft edition

What do you think 2016 has in store for Mitchell? Comment below.

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