10 scariest rookies the Patriots will play in 2024
By Matt Sidney
Yowzers - it's like yikes and wowzers combined to form a word that can only describe the Patriots' upcoming schedule. It's the only word that comes to mind when I sneak a peak at the Patriots' upcoming 2024-25 schedule.
There really is no gimme game on this team's schedule. It's bonkers. The NFC division draw is the NFC West, consisting of the Arizona Cardinals, Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, and the Seattle Seahawks.
The schedule consists of many talented offensive teams, a few defensive juggernauts, and every team featuring rosters flaunting some of that new draft capital. When looking at next season's opponents, several rookies stand out as "maybe this guy might not be that much fun to play against." Luckily for myself, I won't have to. Unluckily for the members of the New England Patriots, they will.
Let's jump right into the top ten scariest rookies the New England Patriots will face this upcoming season. Please note that the order is alphabetical, based on the opponent's city name.
Arizona Cardinals - Marvin Harrison Jr., WR
Marvin Harrison Sr. used to terrorize the New England Patriots while catching passes from Peyton Manning on those Colts teams that always played the Pats tough. Now it's his son's turn.
Marvin Harrison Jr. was generally listed as this draft class' most NFL-ready, sure-fire prospect. He is an elite receiver prospect, winning the Biletnikoff Award in 2023 as college football's best wide receiver.
The Patriots DBs will have their hands full with this kid. He has excellent hands, runs pristine routes, and consistently wins in contested-catch situations, outmuscling defensive backs and high-pointing the ball. He's a nightmare. Kyler Murray will feed him early and often. If the Pats' DBs can't contain MHJ, this matchup could turn ugly quickly.