New England Patriots

Patriots draft pick reportedly will skip rookie event to study playbook

Published May. 19, 2016 6:28 p.m. ET

foxsports

It looks like New England Patriots rookie Malcolm Mitchell will fit right in with his new team.

Mitchell, New England's fourth-round pick out of Georgia, reportedly is skipping the NFLPA Rookie Premiere so he could study his playbook.

I’m told #Patriots WR Malcolm Mitchell declined to attend the NFLPA Rookie Premiere so he could stay home and study his playbook
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) May 19, 2016

If you think other rookies are also planning to skip the event, which is designed to give players insight and connections to help their personal brands, that doesn't seem to be the case.

I’m told #Patriots WR Malcolm Mitchell is the only one among 41 expected attendees who didn’t make it to NFLPA Rookie Premiere this weekend
— Ben Volin (@BenVolin) May 19, 2016

This kind of decision is sure to earn the rookie wideout some bonus points from Bill Belichick and Tom Brady, both of whom preach team over individual.