With spring practices underway this week, it gives us an opportunity to see rookies, formerly-injured players, and interesting storylines that may have a big impact on the 2019 season.
For the Patriots, a strong draft and some free-agent acquisitions will spark some great competition at nearly every position. This will put pressure on some veterans on New England’s roster who have something to prove after last season.
Let’s take a look at three veterans that have something to prove during spring practices.
1) Deatrich Wise Jr.
Deatrich Wise Jr. is entering his third season in the NFL and with New England. Wise is on this list because his role in 2019 could quickly diminish if he can’t prove to be better than rookie Chase Winovich, who had a ton of hype surrounding him heading into spring practices.
Wise had a strong rookie season but didn’t really expand upon that in 2018 when the Patriots weren’t very strong at the defensive end position opposite of Trey Flowers. He needs to prove he can play a pivotal role on the defensive line for the Patriots if he wants to fend off Winovich for the starting job.
Chances are, Wise will win the starting job because of experience. But he could easily lose that role over the course of the season if he isn’t consistent and effective.
2) Austin Seferian-Jenkins
Tight end Austin Seferian-Jenkins has had an injury-plagued career, but has an opportunity to carve out a unique role in New England.
His athleticism is what attracted the Patriots to him, as they are in need of a big target in between the numbers now that Rob Gronkowski has retired. But what Seferian-Jenkins really needs to prove is that he can be reliable, which includes his ability to perform, and stay, on the field.
Getting the starting tight end job will be very difficult with Ben Watson on the roster. But that doesn’t mean Seferian-Jenkins can’t earn a decent amount of snaps on offense. It all starts during spring practices, where he will have to raise some eyebrows.
3) Braxton Berrios
Wide receiver Braxton Berrios did not have much of a resume during his rookie year, showing glimmers of hope during training camp and preseason but ending up on IR at the beginning of last season.
2019 could prove to be a breakout season for Berrios. But it won’t be easy.
As it stands, there are 10 receivers on the Patriots’ depth chart, and only three of those wideouts will definitively make the roster this upcoming season (Julian Edelman, N’Keal Harry, Phillip Dorsett). That means there are 3-4 additional roster spots available for the remainder of the grouping to compete for.
Berrios is one of the few receivers on the roster that can be effective in the slot, which means his chances of making the roster may be greater than some of the taller wideouts that are used to playing outside the numbers. Berrios has to prove he has Edelman-like abilities inside the numbers during spring practices if he wants as many opportunities as possible during training camp.
