New England Patriots: Deatrich Wise Jr will erupt off the edge in 2018
Following a promising rookie season, New England Patriots defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. will look to break out in his sophomore season.
Will defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. has similar success as current teammate and fellow Arkansas alum Trey Flowers in his second season with the New England Patriots?
With the flashes he showed in his rookie season, compared with the experienced he gained throughout the season, all indications point to a breakout season.
In fact, with the five sacks he recorded during his rookie campaign, the former fourth-rounder was named by Bleacher Report as the most likely player to breakout this upcoming season.
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Based on his talent, skill and size, there is not much argument to their reasoning. In their analysis, B/R writes:
"“As a middle-round pick on a team that uses rotations based on matchups, Wise may not pop up in the box score every week, but he’ll have a significant impact at a premium position.”"
With the addition of veteran pass rusher Adrian Clayborn and last year’s third-round pick Derek Rivers returning to the fold, Wise won’t have as much pressure to deliver the pressure in 2018. With a deeper rotation led by Trey Flowers and Clayborn, the 6-foot-5, 271-pound edge rusher should have more of an opportunity to make plays on the quarterback.
Less snaps should keep his motor fresh in those obvious pass rush situations. Of course, in the Patriots system he will be asked to do more besides get after opposing team’s quarterbacks, but building that versatility will come in time with a young player like Deatrich Wise Jr.
Advice from a legend
He not only has players like Flowers and Dont’a Hightower to learn from, he also has taken pointers from former New England Patriots great Willie McGinest.
Speaking to the Boston Herald last week, McGinest talked about what he likes in Wise.
"“I like Wise,” McGinest said. “He has long arms and a lot of length. I think he does a great job with that. I talked to him about using his hands, using his length, creating separation. I think he can get a little stronger in the weight room, but he has great size, and great potential. And I think he wants to be a good pass rusher. He’s got multiple jobs, but when it’s time to get after the quarterback, he’s got to be able to do that.”"
The New England Patriots will certainly count on that development in his second season. Again, Flowers, the return of Hightower and Rivers along with the signing of Adrian Clayborn should help deliver the type of pressure the team lacked in 2017, but the team needs a consistent disrupter.
Deatrich Wise Jr. has the ability to be that edge rush force. The Patriots will put him in the best position to succeed. Along with the knowledge and experience he has gained, Wise’s own drive will determine how much he breaks out in 2018.
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If it all manifests, expect an eruption on a New England Patriots defense in desperate need of a new identity.