Chowder and Champions
Fansided

New England Patriots: The team’s 3 hottest hot seats in 2019

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 21: Bobby Massie #70 of the Chicago Bears blocks Derek Rivers #95 of the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on October 21, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated the Bears 38-31. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 21: Bobby Massie #70 of the Chicago Bears blocks Derek Rivers #95 of the New England Patriots at Soldier Field on October 21, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Patriots defeated the Bears 38-31. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
New England Patriots Derek Rivers (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)
New England Patriots Derek Rivers (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

2. DE Derek Rivers

If there is any player who knows what Duke Dawson went through his rookie season, it is third-year defensive end Derek Rivers.

Unlike Dawson, the 2017 third-round pick out of Youngstown State never got an opportunity to see the field during his rookie season.  In sitting out the entire year due to a torn ACL, Rivers gained a lot of knowledge learning and watching from the sidelines.

Due to that experience, he was expected to bounce back strong during his second season.  However, Rivers didn’t shine as much as expected.  Part of that was due in part to him coming off the ACL and re-gaining his quickness and strength.

With limited snaps, he did record a sack in 2018, but overall didn’t show a whole lot of flash that would have Patriots fans excited about his progression.  That’s why this summer could be a make-or-break one for the edge rusher.  Along with Deatrich Wise and 2019 third-round pick Chase Winovich, Derek Rivers will be competing for snaps.

It really could go either way for Rivers.  He could emerge as a top depth chart guy as a defensive end or he could be in a fight just to make the team.  It’s certainly a hot seat for Rivers.  How he handles the smoke will determine which direction he goes.

Home/New England Patriots