New England Patriots: 5 player storylines to watch during training camp

HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots warms up prior to Super Bowl 51 against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - FEBRUARY 05: Julian Edelman #11 of the New England Patriots warms up prior to Super Bowl 51 against the Atlanta Falcons at NRG Stadium on February 5, 2017 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Malcolm Mitchell

After missing the entire 2017 season with an undisclosed knee injury, New England Patriots third-year wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell is one of the main players to keep our eye on in spring training.

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Following a very productive rookie season in 2016, the Georgia Bulldogs alum left fans with high expectations following his role in the team’s historic Super Bowl LI victory over the Atlanta Falcons.  It wasn’t just his ability to make clutch plays, it was how he gained trust from Tom Brady as his rookie year progressed.

Unfortunately, all of the hype surrounding Malcolm Mitchell halted during the preseason last season.  Due to a knee injury, Mitchell was placed on injured reserve with an ability to come off IR during the season.  Although he appeared healthy, Mitchell was never activated the rest of the season, which leads to this upcoming season.

Will Malcolm Mitchell be ready to go to start the 2018 NFL season?

That will be a main question and storyline to watch this summer.  While Mitchell has said he is healthy, the fact that the team is handling his health with caution is an area of slight concern.  There is more concern that the knee could be a chronic issue that may keep Malcolm Mitchell off the field more than he is on the field.

If healthy, we all have seen how effective he can be.  If health is an ongoing issue, the New England Patriots may have to think about moving on.