New England Patriots: 5 rookies who will make immediate impacts in 2020

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 26: Defensive Backs Josh Uche #6 and Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate after a play during a college football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Michigan Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Ann Arbor, MI. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 26: Defensive Backs Josh Uche #6 and Aidan Hutchinson #97 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrate after a play during a college football game against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Michigan Stadium on October 26, 2019 in Ann Arbor, MI. (Photo by Aaron J. Thornton/Getty Images) /
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New England Patriots Josh Uche (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
New England Patriots Josh Uche (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

New England Patriots get a winner in Josh Uche.

As the biggest rookie impact was made in 2019 from a defensive player out of Michigan, the biggest impact in 2020 will be make from a defensive player out of Michigan.

Just like former and now current teammate Chase Winovich, second-round pick Josh Uche is an undersized edge rusher who has the speed and motor to create nightmares for opposing quarterbacks.

With the loss of Kyle Van Noy to free agency, Bill Belichick basically replaced him with the same kind of player who will ultimately be a better player for the Patriots due to his upside.

Compared to the Patriots Hall-of-Famer Tedy Bruschi (perhaps unfairly), it is the both the versatility and pass-rush skills of Josh Uche that has drawn that comparison.

Could he be the steal of the draft given where he was selected (No. 60 overall)?

By the middle of the 2020 NFL season, New England Patriots fans will think so and will love both the speed and attitude Uche brings to the team, especially reuniting with his tag-team sack buddy Chase Winovich.

Next. New England Patriots: The key ingredient for success in 2020. dark

While he may not get many defensive snaps to start the season, Josh Uche will earn those snaps and be a contributor on special teams making impacts in multiple roles just like Winovich.

In my opinion, the New England Patriots have a winner in the former Michigan linebacker who will help make the 2020 draft class be a memorable one.