While the 2019 NFL season is still months away, teams are in the middle of their various offseason programs. This is the first chance to see a number of new pieces with the Patriots and how their roles are being carved out. It also is an opportunity to see any players returning from injuries, particularly the 2018 draft class which only saw two healthy players join the roster when the season began. Here are four players that are worth keeping an eye throughout the offseason.
Braxton Berrios, WR
With the wide receiver depth chart more or less wide open, Berrios has a good chance to carve out a role on offense. Ideally, he could excel in the slot and provide the team with another option to return punts.
Injuries ultimately ended his 2018 season before it took off. If Berrios can stay healthy, he could be able to position himself as a potential Julian Edelman replacement moving forward. Outside of Edelman, there is not a lot of direct competition at the slot receiver position so Berrios certainly has the inside track at the moment.
Obi Melifonwu, S
Injuries were the main factor that led to Melifonwu being cut by the Oakland Raiders last season. With Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung getting older at the safety position, coupled with Melifonwu’s freakish athleticism and size, it is no surprise the team was willing to take a chance on him. At 6-foot-4 and 224 pounds, he could bring a new element to the New England secondary.
With a number of bigger receivers and tight ends in todays game, someone like Melifonwu is the perfect weapon to counter with. The question is whether he can prove his worth to the team, especially considering they drafted a big athletic corner in Joejuan Williams, who is also 6-foot-4, in this year’s draft.
Chase Winovich, DE
Winovich is an athletic player with a relentless motor that can line up at a number of positions on defense. With Trey Flowers leaving for Detroit, there is an obvious hole left to be filled on the defensive line. Winovich cannot be expected to replace all of that production from Flowers but he can certainly provide a boost in what will likely be a platoon approach with Michael Bennett, Deatrich Wise and Derek Rivers.
Isaiah Wynn, OT
When the Patriots selected Wynn in the 2018 draft, the plan was to work him in at left tackle and replace Nate Solder, who had just left in free agency. Everything worked out nicely until Wynn tore his ACL during the preseason.
With another opportunity to earn the left tackle job following the departure of Trent Brown, this is one of the most important players to keep an eye on. Wynn impressed throughout the Spring and Summer last year and the hope is that he can continue that progress. If Wynn has recovered well from his injury, the Patriots could feature a stalwart on their already dominant offensive line.
.png?w=600)
