Bill Belichick shared his thoughts on a group of newer Patriots
"We'll see how it goes."
Coach Bill Belichick appears to be taking a wait-and-see approach with a handful of the newer additions to the Patriots roster.
Belichick told co-hosts Jim Miller and Pat Kirwan of SiriusXM NFL Radio Monday he’s using training camp as a chance to evaluate the team, something he feels he hasn’t had “a great opportunity” to do thus far.
Here’s what he had to say about one rookie, one veteran newcomer, and two second-year players:
Braxton Berrios, wide receiver
The Patriots drafted Berrios with the 210th overall pick in the 2018 NFL Draft. The 5-foot-9, 184-pound slot receiver out of Miami fits the Wes Welker-Julian Edelman-Danny Amendola mold that has seemingly become a staple in New England.
With Amendola’s decision to sign with the Miami Dolphins and Edelman’s forthcoming four-game suspension, there will be an opening for Berrios to contribute as a rookie. Belichick noted that opportunity also extends to other receivers, as several receivers are already showing signs of growth.
“We’ll see how it goes with Braxton,” Belichick said. “He wasn’t able to do a lot for us this spring, so this is really our first lengthy exposure to him in our system, so we’ll see how that goes. But [Cordarrelle] Patterson and [Jordan] Matthews and even [Kenny] Britt, who we didn’t get until December, those guys are way ahead of where they were last year in Britt’s case or earlier this spring.”
“I would say even the same thing for Phil Dorsett,” he continued. “Even though he was here last year, being able to start at the beginning, he’s had a really good spring, too, so we’ll see how all those guys continue to do as we get into competition against our defense and into our preseason games.”
Without Edelman, the Patriots’ wide receiver depth chart is highlighted by one returning starter, Chris Hogan. Malcolm Mitchell is another familiar name looking to make waves, but his status with the team may be in flux after a recent trade report and concerns about his health.
Trent Brown, offensive lineman
Belichick was complimentary of 6-foot-8, 355-pound offensive lineman Trent Brown. The Patriots traded for Brown in April, sending the 95th overall pick in the 2018 draft over to San Francisco in exchange for Brown and the 143rd overall pick.
“Trent’s got a great size, rare size, and is very athletic,” Belichick said. “He’s light on his feet, has good balance, and is a good athlete for a man of his size. Similar to [Marcus] Cannon on the other side, you know, Marcus is a big kid who is very athletic, so we’re fortunate there. We’ll see how it goes. It’s been great to work with Trent.”
Brown underwent season-ending surgery last December to repair a torn labrum.
“He’s been a little bit limited in the spring, but he’s out there now and he’s doing a good job,” Belichick said. “He’s coming along.”
Trent Brown runs through a drill with Frank Herron during training camp at Gillette Stadium.
Deatrich Wise and Derek Rivers, defensive ends
Belichick praised the work ethic of second-year defensive ends Deatrich Wise and Derek Rivers.
‘Those two kids are here all the time,” Belichick said. “They’re the first ones in, the last ones out. They’re extremely diligent hard workers in the weight room and in the classroom and on the field. I think they’ll both make a good jump this year.”
The Patriots drafted Rivers 83rd overall in 2017, but he missed all of last season with a torn ACL and sprained LCL. Wise, who was also drafted in 2017, played in 16 games last season, recording five sacks and 16 tackles.
“Derek didn’t get an opportunity to do much last year [and] Deatrich got some playing time, but I think both will build on their experiences as rookies and have more productive years this year,” Belichick said. “They’re certainly off to a good start.”
