With the 210th selection of the sixth round in the 2018 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected another small slot receiver. Braxton Berrios is a 5-foot-9-inch wide receiver out of the University of Miami. Berrios finished his career with the Hurricanes with 96 receptions, 1,121 yards, and 14 touchdowns. Berrios had a great senior season with 51 receptions for 625 yards and nine touchdowns. He is regarded as one of the most underrated slot receivers in the 2018 Draft Class.
Braxton Berrios will be joining a wide receiver room with Julian Edelman, Chris Hogan, Cordarelle Patterson, Kenny Britt, Phillip Dorsett, Cody Hollister, Jordan Matthews, Riley McCarron, Malcolm Mitchell, and Matthew Slater. A crowded wide receiver room will not make it easy for him to make the roster. Berrios’ best shot to make it on the roster is as the punt returner. The Patriots have not had a great, consistent punt returner for quite some time now. If Berrios can show his worth in that area, he can work his way up the depth chart and be a force with the Patriots.
Braxton Berrios is the Perfect Patriot
Why Berrios Fits
Braxton Berrios’ style of play is perfect for the Patriots system. His height and quickness off of the ball make it difficult for defenders to cover him in the short and intermediate passing game. Berrios runs great, crisp routes. As a result, this makes it easy for the quarterback to hit him in the right place at the right time on timing routes. Berrios hardly ever drops a pass. He was always a reliable target for Miami. The easiest way to earn the trust of Tom Brady is to consistently catch the ball.
Braxton Berrios can stop and change his body movements at the drop of a hat. Due to the ability to make sudden changes, it makes it easier to improvise and deal with changes after contact when running his routes. Berrios will lay his body on the line for any ball thrown his way. Due to this effort, he shows the ability do to whatever it takes to get the job done. This shows the Patriot Way.
Berrios is an elite punt returner. As a result, this makes a threat in all aspects for the Patriots. The Patriots have not had a consistent punt returner for quite some time. Berrios can make an immediate impact in the punt return game. As a result, this gives him the best shot to make the roster. The NFL gave him a grade of 5.35. Their scale gave him the potential to be a backup or special teamer. Thier comparison was to former Patriot Danny Amendola. I completely agree with their comparison, but I believe he has the potential to be more than a backup.
Last Word on Braxton Berrios
Braxton Berrios is the best pick of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Patriots in my opinion. Berrios fits the mold of other Patriot slot receiver greats like Wes Welker, Julian Edelman, and Danny Amendola. As a result of his skill set, Berrios can succeed in the Patriots offense and special teams. Braxton Berrios is the next great Patriots slot receiver.
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