Patriots: 3 players who will get cut before 2020 season begins

PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA - NOVEMBER 17: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots looks on during the first half against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on November 17, 2019 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images) /

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Patriots DE Derek Rivers (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

2. Derek Rivers

Fans in New England would be the first to admit that the franchise’s 2017 Draft Class was arguably the worst of the Belichick era. Due to trades and penalties stemming from the Deflategate scandal, which cost them a third-rounder, the Patriots were limited to just three selections.

Because of that, big things were expected out of Derek Rivers, who ended up being New England’s first pick that year at No. 83 overall in the third round. Unfortunately for the 26-year-old defensive end, his pro career has been derailed by injuries. He missed the entirety of both his rookie year and the 2019 campaign due to issues, battling an ACL tear his first year and more knee issues last season.

The only season he was healthy (2018), Rivers appeared in just six games and was a healthy scratch in the playoffs. As we know, the Patriots champion availability, and he just hasn’t been able to offer that. Even with New England desperate for pass rushers, expect Rivers to get the axe at the end of camp.

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