3 Patriots Players Who Will Be Rookie of the Year Candidates in 2020
By Nick Porr
The New England Patriots are beginning a new era in 2020. Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski have both left the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the dynasty appears to be over. Heach Coach Bill Belichick is still on the sidelines, but he will be coaching a very different roster this season.
The Pats still seem have their sights set on a playoff spot in 2020. These three rookies show a lot of promise, and could earn some Rookie of the Year attention.
3. QB J'Mar Smith
J'Mar Smith is a very dark horse pick for ROY. After helping Tom Brady, the 2000 NFL Draft's no. 199 pick, turn into a three-time MVP, Belichick has built a reputation for turning late picks into stars. Smith, an undrafted quarterback from Louisiana Tech, is only behind vets Jared Stidham and Brian Hoyer going into training camp. His athleticism and powerful arm (2,977 passing yards in 11 games his senior year) could help him crack the Pats' QB rotation and stun the NFL.
2. OLB Josh Uche
Outside linebacker Josh Uche was taken with the No. 60 overall pick by the New England Patriots after they traded up from No. 71 to get him. Uche has a ton of potential as an edge rusher, averaging a 23% pressure rate in his senior season at Michigan. As a redshirt senior, he put up 11.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks in 2019. He has a ton of potential to contribute to the Pats' stout defense in 2020.
1. S Kyle Dugger
Kyle Dugger has unparalleled athleticism. Taken by the Patriots with the No. 37 overall pick, Dugger was tied for the second highest vertical of any player at the 2020 NFL Combine with a 42 inch jump. Dugger will be competing with veterans Devin McCourty and Patrick Chung at safety, but his pure athleticism will surely find him minutes somewhere in Belichick's defense. He may be the star to lead New England into a new era.