New England Patriots: Jacob Hollister predicted to be breakout player

ESPN recently predicted that New England Patriots tight end, Jacob Hollister, would be their breakout player this season.

Heading into the 2018 season, the New England Patriots are beginning to look prepared for the start of the season. In their second preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, both the offense and defense looked rather sharp, especially quarterback, Tom Brady.

While the Patriots did look good against the Eagles, there are still concerns about the depth at wide receiver for the Patriots heading into the season. Since Edelman will be suspended for the first four games, Tom Brady is going to need people to throw the ball to.

Recently, ESPN predicted who might be a breakout player on each team. For the Patriots, they chose tight end, Jacob Hollister. Here’s what they had to say.

"Having made the Patriots as an undrafted free agent in 2017, Hollister played 87 offensive snaps and was inactive for the Super Bowl, but he’s put himself in position for a larger role this year by having a solid offseason. Couple that with a shaky receiver depth chart and the former Wyoming standout is primed to see more action and more footballs thrown in his direction. He’s shown a knack for catching the ball in tight spots. — Mike Reiss"

Hollister is certainly an interesting choice to be the breakout player for the Patriots. Last season, Hollister was able to make the team after a strong showing in training camp and the preseason. Even though he didn’t get a lot of reps in the regular season behind Rob Gronkowski and Dwayne Allen at tight end, Hollister proved that he could be a good player in the near future.

So far this offseason, Hollister has been very impressive, and appears to be getting better. Due to the struggles of Allen in the passing game last season for New England, Hollister has a chance to be a weapon in the passing game for the Patriots from the tight end position.

Even though Hollister won’t be taking Gronkowski’s job in the near future, he could be lining up with him more frequently this season. The Patriots like to utilize two-tight end formations, and with Edelman suspended for the first four games, they might be using two tight ends even more.

With two games left in the preseason for the Patriots, we will have to continue to see Hollister’s development. As of now, Hollister becoming a breakout player for the Patriots is certainly possible.