Patriots gridiron news: Malcolm Mitchell looking forward to ‘big’ offseason
New England Patriots wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell is “feeling great” and ready to be an offensive threat once again in 2018.
With all the talk surrounding the possible retirement of Rob Gronkowski, the return of Julian Edelman and where Dion Lewis lands in free agency, one New England Patriots player has gone under the radar. That player is Malcolm Mitchell.
After missing the entire 2017 season due to a mysterious knee injury, the third-year wide receiver told ESPN’s Mike Reiss over the weekend that he is ready to be the best football player he can be this upcoming season.
Mitchell used his Read With Malcolm initiative as a connection towards how important playing football is to him as well as the motivation he has received through reading.
"“It was a very adverse situation,” Mitchell said regarding missing the 2017 season. “That obviously wasn’t something I wanted. It happens in football, just like situations happen in life that you have no control over. I read during that time. It encouraged me to keep going. And this mission, for the second year, will be bigger than last year regardless of how football season went. It’s two different missions. Become the best football player I can be, and make sure kids understand the importance of reading. One won’t affect the energy I put in the other. They’re both very, very important to me.”More from Chowder and Champions3 Midseason Chaim Bloom Decisions That Have Killed the 2023 Red Sox10 Patriots Who Will Be Cut by Tuesday’s Roster DeadlineMLB Screws Red Sox Fans With Broadcast for Mookie Betts Return3 Most Underpaid Celtics Heading Into the 2023 SeasonRed Sox Continue Rollercoaster Season With Massive Win"
The Georgia Bulldogs alum teased fans a little with a possible return towards the end of the 2017 season and into the playoffs, but never got on the field. During that time, he appeared to be back at full health, but the team used caution by shutting him down.
That decision may be a good one as far as his 2018 season goes. Malcolm Mitchell went on to express how big this offseason is going to be for his rehabilitation physically and mentally.
"“I’m feeling great,” Mitchell added. “This offseason will be big. Obviously I missed all of last season and I won’t shy away from the importance of making sure I’m ready when we start OTAs.”"
Depending on what happens in the offseason with the roster, Mitchell’s return will be huge for the Patriots. Not only did he have a strong rookie season back in 2016, he developed a chemistry with Tom Brady that will definitely be explored further.
Julian Edelman continues to show improvement
Malcolm Mitchell is not the only Patriots wide receiver determined to come back stronger in 2018.
After missing the entire 2017 season due to a torn ACL, veteran wide receiver Julian Edelman continues to post videos on social media showing his improvements.
In the latest video, posted via Instagram, Edelman is shown doing other activities other than just running in a straight line.
https://twitter.com/TylerSully/status/968291647510532096
What the video shows is Julian Edelman’s mobility, quickness and ability to make cuts.
Next: Patriots gridiron news: Quick thoughts on Martellus Bennett
While most players take an entire season to get back to full strength following ACL tears, it appears Edelman is almost there already.