Wise moves to build off rookie year
FOXBORO — The Patriots wrapped up their OTA drills and exited the practice field in positional clusters through a media gauntlet yesterday.
Alone in a far corner of the upper practice field, defensive end Deatrich Wise was going man-up on a tackling sled refining his edge rushing skills.
The post-practice chaos subsided when Wise trudged his way toward the locker room for meetings and film breakdowns that would fill the remainder of the afternoon.
“You do what it takes,” Wise said when asked about being the last player to leave the field. “Being an edge rusher in the NFL is really technique. The (offensive) tackles are stronger and a lot savvier than the college tackles I went up against.
“So that’s why I’m out here focusing on my technique and making sure of my details.”
Wise endured the full NFL experience last season as a rookie out of Arkansas. The journey began when the Patriots drafted Wise in the fourth round (131st overall) after a distinguished four-year career with the Razorbacks.
Wise made the team in training camp and played in 16 regular season games with three starts. He compiled 26 tackles, five sacks and 19 quarterback hurries while playing backup to Eric Lee on the left flank of the Patriots front.
“Playing in an NFL game and actually feeling this league and the tempo of an NFL game is what it takes,” Wise said. “After a couple of NFL games, I was feeling really good.”
Wise showed his playoff mettle with two sacks of Tennessee quarterback Marcus Mariota in the divisional round.
“I wouldn’t call it a whirlwind, I would just call it a great experience,” Wise said. “It was great experience here because the veterans here helped me through it and they really made my transition from college to the NFL.”
The other key component in Wise’s assimilation into the NFL was defensive line coach Brendan Daly.
“Coach Daly has helped me out tremendously and he’s been patient with me since I’ve been here,” Wise said. “I can’t thank him enough for all the time he’s spent teaching me and going over things.
“He really takes the time to help me learn certain techniques and certain plays so that I can build on the field.”
Wise enjoyed a good rookie season but his immediate concern is making the team at a position that was fully staffed before being upgraded in the offseason.
The Patriots signed Atlanta Falcons pass rusher Adrian Clayborn to a twoyear contract on March 17. Lee, Trey Flowers, Derek Rivers, Adam Butler, Geneo Grissom and Keionta Davis are the other defensive ends battling for roster spots.
“I love competition and friendly competition is the best competition and it brings out the best in everybody,” Wise said. “I like it and I embrace it.”