The New England Patriots will be without Rob Gronkowski, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be other players to grab the spotlight in 2019.
After winning another Super Bowl championship, things are certainly not boring for the New England Patriots going into the 2019 NFL season. In fact, Bill Belichick’s crew may be more talented and definitely more intriguing in pursuit of their seventh championship.
What makes them more intriguing?
Well, it’s the mix of players they have on the 53-man roster.
Along with 42-year-old quarterback Tom Brady, veteran newcomers like defensive end Michael Bennett, wide receiver Demaryius Thomas and tight end Matt LaCosse will have opportunities to make an impact at their positions while players reuniting with the team like linebacker Jamie Collins and tight end Ben Watson will look to add to their legacies as Patriots players.
Then there are the rookies added to the mix like wide receiver N’Keal Harry, cornerback JoeJuan Williams, defensive end Chase Winovich and running back Damian Harris who could all prove to be some of the best draft choices Bill Belichick has made.
Though Harry will begin the season on IR, each rookie is expected to make an impact on the team right away.
With a reinstated Josh Gordon also in the mix, this is probably one of the most intriguing rosters Bill Belichick has ever put together. In all, here are the New England Patriots top 5 intriguing players entering the 2019 NFL season.
Gunner Olszewski , WR
Of course, undrafted rookie Gunner Olszewski is among the intriguing players entering the 2019 NFL season.
Just the mere fact that he was on the brink of being waived before making the New England Patriots 53-man roster makes him the prime underdog player fans will be rooting for.
Forget the Julian Edelman comparisons, the Bemidji State product is the ultimate Bill Belichick player in his versatility and the hard work he puts into the game. In the preseason, that team commitment was shown in all three phrases of the game.
Not only did he play offense and special teams, the former defensive back turned wide receiver showed off his versatility by playing snaps on defense. In doing so, definitely gained even more respect from Belichick who lauded his competitive nature in a recent conference call.
"“I’d say like most players in his situation, wants to do whatever he can, is eager to learn, wants to try to play the National Football League and earn a productive spot on the team, pretty much like everyone else does,” Belichick said."
Whether it’s as a receiver, a punt returner or even a defensive back, Gunner Olszewski will make a play or two in the 2019 season that will impact a game. He plays too hard and is too tough on the football field not to.
Michael Bennett, DE
Veteran defensive lineman Michael Bennett may be the most gifted player the New England Patriots have had along the defensive line in the Bill Belihcick era.
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Players like Richard Seymour, Willie McGinest and Chandler Jones were great, but they weren’t as multi-dimensional as Bennett. While there was an element of mean in Seymour, it doesn’t compare to the level of mean Bennett will bring to the Patriots defense.
Even entering the season at 33 years old, Michael Bennett greatly improves the defensive line because of the level of physical play and effectiveness he provides. In 2018, he accumulated nine sacks, 15 tackles for a loss and 30 quarterback hits for the Philadelphia Eagles. He still has it and playing under Bill Belichick seems to have rejuvenated his excitement playing the game. Above all else, he seems committed to adding to his legacy while playing in a Patriots’ uniform.
"“It’s good now that I’m here, because I like everybody,” Bennett said as transcribed by NESN. “Tom (Brady) is cool. The whole team is cool, so it’s good. It’s euphoric to walk in this building every single day and see the standard, the level of play, the expectations every single day at practice. It’s always good to be here, and I’m looking forward to the opportunity to continuously build my career while I’m here.”"
In all, Michael Bennett is saying all the right things (even with some humor), but the intriguing part of him as a player will be how much more physical he makes the New England Patriots defensive line.
Jamie Collins, LB
Any beef between Bill Belichick and Jamie Collins has apparently been squashed with the return of the versatile and athletic linebacker to the New England Patriots after a stint with the Cleveland Browns.
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Like safety Patrick Chung, Collins is rejoining the team and coach that drafted him with different expectations. Sure, the former second-round pick played to an All-Pro level his first time around because being traded to the Browns, but this time around Belichick has a specific role for Collins and if he sticks to the game plan, the Patriots front seven will be that much better.
Following a solid spring and great preseason, Jamie Collins has continuously sparked praise from Bill Belichick which the veteran linebacker is embracing.
"“From him, man, that’s music to my ears, man. It’s an honor to get that type of response from him, and I really do appreciate it,” Collins said of Belichick’s praise. “That just makes me feel better and makes me want to come to work even more.”"
In joining a linebacker unit that includes Dont’a Hightower, Elandon Roberts, Kyle Van Noy and Ja’Whaun Bentley, Collins will make the second level of defense even that much more versatile and multiple for Belihcick.
Josh Gordon, WR
After being reinstated by the NFL following another suspension involving an ongoing substance abuse issue, the reliability surrounding Josh Gordon in his ability to stay available for the entire season is the biggest question entering the 2019 season.
That’s what makes Gordon one of the players to watch.
Though it is clear the man known as Flash Gordon has lost the flash he had during his early days with the Cleveland Browns, he is still a dangerous weapon Tom Brady is going to love having at his disposal.
He flashed during his 11 games last season which he racked in 40 catches for 720 yards and three touchdowns. But just when he began to really demonstrate a role within the offense and chemistry with Brady, the suspension happened. The New England Patriots went on to win the Super Bowl without him, but fans wondered how much easier that path would’ve been with having Josh Gordon as a threat on the outside.
In 2019, both the positive attitude Gordon is displaying, along with his physical ability on the field will certainly be in the spotlight. If he stays committed, the Patriots offense will be solid even without Rob Gronkowski.
But, if he fails once again, the team may have to rely on a power running game with a suspect offensive line.
Chase Winovich, DE
While the addition of Michael Bennett will take away some of the sting of losing 2018 sack leader Trey Flowers, drafting an energy player like Chase Winovich will cause New England Patriots fans to get over that loss rather quickly.
Already considered a steal in the 2019 NFL draft, the third-round pick didn’t disappoint in the preseason. Not only did he display the high motor that made him an intriguing draft pick, he showed an ability to pass the rusher that will win him over with fans.
Above his play on the field, Chase Winovich has the personality that will make him a fan favorite as well. With a “Do Your Job” mentality, it would be no surprise if the Michigan product doesn’t end up starting at some point.
Called “Rambo” by NFL.com’s Chris Wesseling, the rest of the league will get to know Chase Winovich rather quickly and wonder how he slipped to the third round to the New England Patriots of all teams.
Overall, the team’s most intriguing player entering the 2019 NFL season will just get more intriguing as the season and his career goes along.