A third-round pick of the 2016 NFL Draft, Brissett finished up his rookie season with 34 completions on 55 attempts for 400 yards to go along with 16 carries for 83 yards and a TD over the course of three appearances (including two starts) for the team. Brissett seeing action last season wasn't how the Patriots drew up their game plan, but with starter Tom Brady suspended for the first four games of the season and Jimmy Garappolo subsequently injured, Brissett was unexpectedly called on. While he didn't throw any TD passes or picks during his stint behind center, the 24-year-old did gain some valuable NFL experience. Brissett ended up missing time last year after undergoing surgery on his right thumb in October but was eventually activated off IR by the Patriots in December in order to reprise his depth QB duties. With Garappolo still in the mix and Brady available from the get-go in 2017, Brissett remains the team's No. 3 QB option this season. The Patriots will continue to groom the North Carolina State product with an eye toward a future that may or may not include Garappolo remaining with the team. In any case, Brady, who turns 40 in August, can't play forever.

With starting QB Tom Brady set to sit out the first four games of the 2016 regular season, Brissett is on track to serve as Jimmy Garoppolo's backup out of the gate. Once Brady returns in Week 5, Brissett is in line to return to third-string duties, but the rookie's training camp reps take on added importance, given the his elevated status he'll gain come Week 1. It's still possible that the Patriots could add a veteran signal-caller before then, but the fact that they haven't done so hints at the team's confidence in Brissett, whom the team took in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft, 91st overall.