Patriots WR Malcolm Mitchell Skips NFLPA Rookie Premiere To Study Playbook
By Matt Dolloff, CBS Boston
BOSTON (CBS) -- Quarterback Jacoby Brissett may have been the first rookie to become the perfect Patriot this offseason, but wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell won't let him get all the glory. The Pats' fourth-round draft pick out of Georgia has decided to skip the NFLPA Rookie Premiere, according to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe.
The Rookie Premiere, held in Los Angeles, invites mostly skill position rookies to "learn the business of football," according to a league press release, as well as don their jerseys for the first time to take photos for playing cards. Mitchell was originally on the list of 41 rookies to attend the event, but reportedly declined to participate and instead will put extra time into studying the Patriots' complex offensive playbook.
With Julian Edelman and Danny Amendola potentially missing time or starting slow due to surgery recoveries, and other new faces like Chris Hogan and Martellus Bennett also needing time to pick up the playbook, the Patriots offense may need Mitchell to contribute sooner than usual for a rookie.
