5 Most Exciting Rookies For New England Patriots
Five Most Exciting Rookies: New England Patriots
When Bill Belichick traded out of the first round in the 2013 NFL Draft, most fans would think that this year's rookie class was not going to be very exciting. However, Belichick was able to draft a couple of young players with good upside. As if that was not enough, he also signed a couple of undrafted free agents that should make an impact on this team. Oddly enough, some of the undrafted free agents will probably make more of an immediate impact than the players who were drafted.
Some of the players on this list will contribute immediately while others are more raw but have more upside. So when considering this list, one has to look at which players will produce immediately while thinking of the long-term outlook for others. Both factors will not be weighed equally, as it is more important to project what a player will be in his prime.
This list is not flashy, as it was a weak draft in which Belichick did not take a first-round pick. Most of these players played at small-time college football schools but had either great workouts or great production. There does not seem to be a No. 1 type of player at any position, but there are definitely some solid contributors and guys who can be No. 2 players at their respective positions.
So this is the list of the top-five most exciting rookies for the New England Patriots, with about 70 percent consideration to what the players will be and 30% consideration towards the immediate production that some of these players might provide for the team.
5. Logan Ryan, CB
Ryan was a value pick in the middle of the third round. He makes plays on the ball quite a bit and could end up passing Kyle Arrington as the long-term nickel corner.
4. Jamie Collins, LB
Collins was the Patriots' highest draft pick in 2013, but he still has a long way to go. His immediate production will be probably be minimal considering that he is coming out of Southern Missouri. He did test out well in workouts, which indicates that he has some explosion to his game. However, his production was inflated because he played in the Conference USA. He will probably end up being a solid nickel pass rusher.
3. Kenbrell Thompkins, WR
Thompkins has been getting a lot of preseason hype, and he deserves it based on the way that he has performed. However, Thompkins seems to be limited to mostly short and intermediate receptions. He does run good routes, but his explosion is definitely a question mark. Though Thompkins will start as the No. 2 receiver, his long-term projection is more of a No. 3 wideout.
2. Zach Sudfeld, TE
The only reason that Sudfeld went undrafted was because he had five surgeries in college. When healthy, he has an interesting size-speed package that makes him able to beat linebackers in the open field, and he can also block a little. Sudfeld can be one of the better No. 2 tight ends in this league.
1. Aaron Dobson, WR
Dobson seems to be the forgotten wide receiver among the Patriots' young group. His upside is not worth ignoring though. He is 6-foot-3, 210 pounds with a 4.40 40-yard dash and great hands. His size makes him a red-zone threat, and his long speed gives Dobson the ability to be a deep threat that this offense severely lacks. Dobson's potential is a poor man's Miles Austin, which is a quality No. 2 receiver.
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