New England Patriots: Braxton Berrios named impact rookie
New England Patriots sixth-round selection, Braxton Berrios, was named an impact player for the 2018 season.
The New England Patriots, once again, look like they will come away with a great draft class. The 2018 NFL Draft was a good one for the Patriots. They not only filled a number of holes on the roster this season, they added future picks to help them maneuver in future drafts.
This year, New England set a franchise record for trades made. They completed eight different trades and ended up selecting nine players. The Patriots turned all of their middle rounds picks into later round selections or future picks. Through their trades, New England picked up a second and third round pick in 2019.
The game plan for the Patriots was clear from the onset. If they didn’t like the value they were getting, they were trading back. Seven of their eight trades involved moving down the board. The only time they traded up was in the second round when they moved up to select Florida cornerback, Duke Dawson, No. 56.
While some of the Patriots late round picks surprised some people, one that was unanimously liked was their second sixth-round pick. With the No. 210 overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, the Patriots selected Miami wide receiver, Braxton Berrios.
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Berrios was the final player available that New England had in for a visit. In the sixth round, they decided it was time to pounce.
Berrios is the prototypical New England wide receiver. He does the dirty work over the middle of the field and is a pest for opponents to defend. He also offers versatility, as he can play on special teams right away as a return man.
Finding an impact player that late in the draft is not easy, but New England looks to have done it again. Over at ESPN, Mel Kiper Jr. compiled a list of 20 prospects he believes will be impact players right away. Berrios led his Round 4-7 section for impact offensive players.
Here is what Kiper had to say about Berrios.
"So long, Danny Amendola. Hello, Berrios? Yes, he’s two inches shorter than Amendola, but the 5-foot-9 Berrios is a true slot receiver, and the Patriots have proved they can find effective roles for those guys, beginning with Wes Welker in 2007. Berrios really only got playing time in one season at Miami, catching 55 passes for 679 yards and nine touchdowns last season. He also returned punts and had a touchdown return in 2016. If he can survive a crowded depth chart in New England — remember that Malcolm Mitchell is coming back after missing all of 2017 — Berrios can fill a role, and quickly."
Part of the reason that Danny Amendola left for the Miami Dolphins in free agency was money. Also, his role with New England was up in the air. Julian Edelman is returning from injury, and the Patriots are hopeful that Malcolm Mitchell can return as well. Chris Hogan is also locked into a role.
Beyond Edelman and Hogan, there are reps up for grabs in the Patriots receivers room. Kenny Britt, Phillip Dorsett, and Cordarrelle Patterson are also on the depth chart. Patterson figures to make his biggest impact on special teams.
As Kiper notes, slot receivers have thrived in New England. Berrios has a great chance to become the next great slot receiver for the team.
Next: 2018 NFL Draft First Round Grades
Despite losing Amendola and Brandin Cooks this offseason, the Patriots offense should continue rolling in 2018.