New England Patriots: Braxton Berrios named biggest sleeper
New England Patriots wide receiver Braxton Berrios was named the team’s biggest sleeper heading into training camp.
The New England Patriots wide receiver position is one to watch throughout the offseason. There are 11 wide receivers currently on the roster. Not all of them can be held onto, as there will be jobs up for grabs throughout the offseason.
The suspension to Julian Edelman will open up some opportunities for players during training camp. Someone will have to help replace his production that the team was hoping to get back after he missed the 2017 season.
Chris Hogan is the only player locked into a role heading into training camp. With Danny Amendola and Brandin Cooks no longer on the roster, there are plenty of snaps available for the taking. Add in Edelman missing the first four games of the season, and the Patriots wide receiver pecking order is wide open to begin the season.
New England has brought in some veterans that can help fill the openings. Jordan Matthews and Cordarrelle Patterson were acquired this offseason. Kenny Britt was brought in near the end of the 2017 season.
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All three of them could play a role at the beginning of the season. Another player to keep an eye on is rookie Braxton Berrios.
Berrios was a sixth-round pick of the Patriots in the 2018 NFL Draft. He is the prototypical slot receiver as he works the middle of the field with ease. Last season at Miami, Berrios caught 55 passes for 679 yards and nine touchdowns. He is also an excellent punt returner, gaining 207 yards on 13 punt return attempts.
Despite being a sixth-round pick, Berrios could make an impact right away with New England. Over at Bleacher Report, he was picked as the team’s sleeper heading into training camp.
Here is part of what they had to say about Berrios.
"ESPN.com’s Mike Reiss considers Jordan Matthews a “lock” to make the 53-man roster, but Berrios could establish himself as an option behind Matthews, Rob Gronkowski and Chris Hogan through the first quarter of the season."
All three of the players mentioned have experience playing multiple spots on the field. However, New England will need some players to play on the outside, which should open up chances for the 5’9″ Berrios to work the middle.
With Malcolm Mitchell also struggling to get his knee right, Berrios could see playing time right away. If he does, he will quickly become a popular target of Tom Brady. He does all of the dirty work and isn’t afraid to work the middle of the field, something not everyone is willing to do.
dark. Next. 53-Man Roster Projection: Wide Receiver
With an opportunity to establish himself in the Patriots’ passing game pecking order, Berrios is a certainly a player to keep an eye on during the summer.