New England Patriots: What Braxton Berrios learned from lost rookie season

New England Patriots 2018 sixth-round pick Braxton Berrios is off to a good start during Day 1 of minicamp, turning heads as one of the top performers.

Mandatory minicamp got off to a head turning start for New England Patriots second-year wide receiver Braxton Berrios.

If you are not familiar with that name, it’s because the 2018 sixth-round pick spent his entire rookie season on injured reserve.  Entering his second season, the University of Miami product has a major opportunity to insert himself onto the wide receiver depth chart this season.

Well, he’s off to a good start.

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During Day 1 of mandatory minicamp, the 5-foot-9 wide receiver stood out, making a couple of touchdown catches during 7-on-7 drills and 11-on-11s, both from backup quarterback Brian Hoyer.

Although he has yet to build or even form any type of chemistry with the great Tom Brady, his performance on Day 1 was encouraging since he does have the capability of being a productive slot receiver in the Patriots’ offense – perhaps even this season- and could develop as an even more impactful player as his career prolongs.

A study guide towards success

In practicing alongside a player like Julian Edelman, Braxton Berrios definitely has the inspiration and motivation to continue to get better.  Sitting out his entire rookie season and seeing all but 11 snaps during the preseason in 2018, the hopeful slot receiver learned a lot watching from the sidelines and already showing to be a better player on the field than he was last spring.

"“Honestly, I learned a lot,” Berrios said following practice, via NESN.  “I grew a lot in all phases of being a football player and being a person and just meshing with everybody in the building.  I got so much better from then to now overall just knowing everything – learning everything, let’s put it that way. …(But) I don’t take any of the knowledge for granted.  I still study like everything is brand new.”"

Studying and hard work is the key to success with the New England Patriots.  If a player does those two things, it typically leads to opportunity.

Will Braxton Berrios take advantage of that opportunity?  If Day 1 of minicamp is any indication, he will certainly give the team something to think about before the 2019 NFL season begins.

There’s a long way to go, but it’s good to see a player who drew some excitement when he was drafted, making waves right away this spring.  With a depth chart that basically only have Julian Edelman, first-round pick N’Keal Harry and special teams ace Matthew Slater as locks, it’s a very good time for Berrios to become the surprise playmaker the team is looking for this season.