Braxton Berrios named New England Patriots biggest NFL Draft steal
CanesWarning’s partner site NFLSpinZone has named former Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Braxton Berrios the New England Patriots biggest steal in their 2018 NFL Draft Class.
Braxton Berrios was selected in the sixth round, 210th overall of the NFL Draft by the Patriots. The projections from both fans and prognosticators going back as far as the college football season was that he would be a perfect fit in New England.
The Patriots and Bill Belichick have made slot receivers into stars. Wes Welker, Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola have all become highly productive wide receivers in the New England offense under Bill Belichick run by quarterback Tom Brady.
Amendola signed with the Miami Dolphins in free agency and Edelman is coming off of a torn ACL that cost him the entire 2017 season. That could give Berrios a chance to get a significant amount of snaps as a slot receiver in 2018.
Berrios led the Miami Hurricanes with 55 receptions, 679 yards and nine touchdowns last season. At 5’9 183 pounds, the slot is likely the only suitable place for Berrios to be a wide receiver in the NFL.
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In addition to losing Amendola, the Patriots also traded their second-leading receiver Brandin Cooks to the Los Angeles Rams during the offseason. That opens up two spots in the Patriots receiving core for other players.
Former Miami Hurricanes wide receiver Philip Dorsett is also on the New England roster. He was acquired just before the start of the 2017 season for quarterback Jacoby Brissett. Dorsett had 12 receptions for 194 yards last season. He is in his third season in the NFL. Dorsett played his first two seasons in Indianapolis.
SpinZone agreed with the Berrios assessment by the populous of NFL fans and observers.
"“Thanks to his explosiveness and route running ability, Berrios seems like he’s going to fit in just fine being one of the newest members of the Patriots, and could end up being a surprise favorite target for Brady in the passing game if given the opportunity.”"
The Patriots have yet to release their official depth chart for the 2018 season. Berrios is listed as fourth string at the z-wide receiver by NBCSports Boston. He played the y-receiver for the Miami Hurricanes.
Berrios has an excellent chance to move up on the depth chart. In addition to Edelman, NBC Sports Boston projects Chris Hogan and Jordan Matthews ahead of Berrios presently.
Hogan just completed his second season with the Patriots. He played the first six years of his career with the Buffalo Bills. In two seasons with New England Hogan has 72 receptions for 1,119 yards and nine touchdowns.
Matthews is entering his first season with the Patriots. He signed a one year contract with New England in April. He spent the first three years of his career with Philadelphia and last year with Buffalo.
Matthews had a down season with the Bills last year. In his three seasons in Philadelphia Matthews had 225 receptions for 2,673 yards and nine touchdowns.
Next: Braxton Berrios to Patriots is best fit in NFL Draft
He had just 25 282 and one in 2017. For his career, Matthews has 250 receptions for 2,955 yards and 20 touchdowns in four seasons.