Aaron Dobson

top 5 Breakout players

Top 5 Potential Breakout Players

Every year some players shine in the off-season festivities such as OTA’s, mini-camp, and training camp. These players attempt to take the gained momentum into the preseason and regular season. The question is, can these top 5 players turn off-season shine into lighting up the regular season?

1. Shaq Mason-Guard: In the 2015 NFL draft the New England Patriots drafted two interior offensive linemen in the fourth round in Tre’ Jackson and Shaq Mason. Out of the two rookie linemen, Shaq Mason performed at a seemingly higher level. Mason struggled in pass protection due to limited reps in that area during his college career, but he did make strides throughout the season. Mason was an excellent run-blocker and became one of the Patriots best run blockers quickly last season. Now that offensive line “GURU” Dante Scarnecchia has returned from a brief retirement stint; there are expectations that he will have the right lineup. This team had about 48 different O-line combinations last season; that is a PROBLEM!!! Trotting out a consistent group of guys helps with cohesiveness. Dante will also help Shaq make strides in one on one pass protection. Shaq Mason, I believe will have a breakout campaign this year and be one of the best linemen on the team.

2. Malcolm Brown-Defensive Tackle: In the same draft as Shaq Mason, the Patriots selected defensive tackle Malcolm Brown out of Texas. He came in as a pocket penetrating linemen. He struggled early in the season at the point of attack in the run game. After the initial struggle, he grew into a top 5 DT/NT according to Pro Football Focus. He finished his rookie campaign with 48 combined tackles, ten solo, 3-sacks, 33-stops, 14 QB hurries, and 2-fumbles recovered. That is solid production for a rookie DT/NT. He has not scratched the surface of his potential just yet. During this off-season, the word in the locker room is that Brown has taken steps as a leader going into year 2. That is a great sign because for him to focus on being a leader means, the game has slowed down, and he is letting it come to him. He is the piece on the d-line the Patriots are building around. I am expecting a much quicker, stronger, nastier, and all around better player. The sky is the limit, and we will watch him rise this season.

3. Trey Flowers-Defensive End: This is the 3^rd straight 2^nd year player on my list, proving the Patriots have some good young talent on their roster. Flowers was drafted out of Arkansas as the first pick in the 4^th round last year. He is active with a high motor and is good against the run. He is a work in progress as a pass rusher, but in the preseason he displayed strong hands usage to disengage blockers. Against the Packers in the preseason Flowers rushed off the edge, he used his left hand to stab the LT and used his right hand to swipe him to the ground. That play resulted in a sack of Aaron Rodgers; he displayed the ability he needs to show consistently. Injuries derailed his rookie year and kept him off the field. He is said to be healthy this year coming into preseason. He finished his college career with 18 sacks and 47.5 tackles for loss, displaying his ability to be a disruptive presence in the backfield of opposing offenses. We all know Bill Belichick likes to rotate his linemen to keep guys fresh and throw different bodies at the opposing offense. The former Arkansas Razorback can provide an extra pass rush and edge defender. With the right amount of playing time, Flowers can have a significant impact to this already rising defense.

4. Aaron Dobson-Wide Receiver: This guy has been an off-season star since coming into the league. He has made some highlight catches during mini and training camp over the past three years. The problem has been injuries and consistent play. During his rookie year, he provided proof that he can play in this league and become the downfield threat the Patriots wanted. Let’s take a look back at his breakout game against the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2013. Aaron finished the game with five catches for 130-yards and 2-touchdowns. Dobson has not been able to transfer his play from training camp to the regular season. This is his last chance to be a Patriot going forward, and he needs to perform well. I believe when you push a man into a corner he comes out swinging. The Patriots now have a two tight end formation that will give defenses nightmares. The former Marshall receiver can benefit from those formations because they need a big bodied receiver in on those plays. Staying healthy can provide Aaron Dobson with his last chance in Foxbourgh.

5. Jimmy Grappolo-Quarterback: Lastly the most important person on this list young quarterback Jimmy Grappolo. If there is one player Patriots nation needs, wants, and wishes to have a “breakout” year. Jimmy is slated to be the starting QB due to Tom Brady’s RIDICULOUS 4 game suspension. Jimmy will not be handled in the same fashion as a rookie QB; rather OC Josh Mcdaniels will set up a game plan fitting Jimmy’s skillset. Taking a look back at the Super Bowl winning 2014 season, in the infamous Kansas City Chiefs blowout game. Jimmy came in for Tom and displayed his football IQ and accuracy to move the team downfield for a score. Albeit in a blowout, but he showed his skillset. Jimmy G can move in and out of the pocket, has a quick release, and is a smart young QB. Jimmy has the tools in his toolbox and the toys that he will need to flourish. I expect to see a better run game, the monstrous two tight-end set, and a more play action. Jimmy, the ball is in your court, make your layups, free-throws, and occasionally bomb the three ball when they give you the opportunity. It’s Jimmy Time!!!!!!!!!

Of course, you are going to have your own top 5, so chime in with yours in the comments.

Damian Parson is an Analyst for Couch Rider Report. Follow him on Facebook and Follow/Like us on Facebook or twitter.