Based on what we saw from them at minicamp, what they showed in college, the state of the depth chart at each position, and a vaguely defined quality we’ll just call intangibles, here’s our look at which first-year Patriots' have the best shot at ultimately being New England’s most impactful rookie in 2019.
BEST BETS
WR N’Keal Harry: Well, yeah. The first-rounder out of Arizona State looked impressive at times this spring … at least until Stephon Gilmore got his hands on him and effectively silenced the rookie for much of the last two minicamp workouts. But it’s clear Harry is head-and-shoulders above the field, at least at this point. We won’t go as far as to say he has a shot at Offensive Rookie of the Year, but if he finds himself somewhere near the top of this list of best rookie seasons for any receiver in franchise history by the end of the 2019 season, it’ll represent a win for New England.
He was part of Tom Brady’s Circle of Trust at minicamp, and showed he was a big, physical receiver who does well when it comes to fighting for 50-50 balls. Considering the state of New England’s depth chart at receiver, he should get a chance to start come Week One.
RB Damien Harris: The more people I talk to, I’m starting to believe Harris has a really good chance to get significant snaps in 2019. (That was before Sony Michel missed out on minicamp.) It’s tough to get a sense of what a running back might be able to do until the pads go on, so I want to pump the brakes a bit. But even in a potentially crowded backfield, the burst the third-round pick showed this spring and quality reps he received because Michel wasn’t there lead me to believe he could challenge Harry for franchise ROY honors.
DECENT ODDS
WR Jakobi Meyers: