FOXBORO — It has not been the easiest of seasons for Brandon Meriweather.

From the moment he was taken by the Patriots in the first round of April’s draft (24th overall), there were questions about his character in the wake of two highly publicized incidents he was involved in while attending the University of Miami.

Now the questions are whether the 5-foot-11, 200 pound defensive back will develop into the type of player New England can feature in its backfield.

Add to that the loss of his friend and mentor, Sean Taylor, the victim of a fatal shooting two weeks ago, and the release of friend and fellow rookie Kareem Brown, whom Meriweather could often be seen talking to in the Patriots’ locker room. Brown was claimed off waivers by the Jets.

But Meriweather has maintained his disposition, which is generally soft-spoken and genial, and has edged his way up the depth chart, playing in the Pats’ nickel package in Baltimore Monday night with Eugene Wilson a healthy scratch.

The Florida native bragged about his beloved “rusted gold” Toyota Camry during rookie mini-camp, but that well-worn car — it has more 270,000 miles on it — wasn’t Meriweather’s first ride.

Here’s this week’s Up Close.

MY FIRST CAR: Was a ’96 Ford Explorer. My stepdad bought it for me.

IF I WAS NFL COMMISSIONER FOR A DAY: I’d change the celebration rules, let people do pretty much what they want to do (after scoring). I think it’s funny the way Chad Johnson celebrates, and it brings more fans to the games. [Any Johnson favorite?] Probably the “Riverdance.” I’d also change the defensive pass interference rules so they’d be more like the college rules and probably the chin strap (players are required to fully secure their chin strap or face a fine).

THE LAST ALBUM I BOUGHT: It was Young Jeezy Presents USDA.

MY FAVORITE WAY TO SPEND THE OFF DAY: In my bed watching a movie. My favorite movies are Friday and How to Be a Player.

MY HERO: Is my grandma, Clara Pryor, because I love everything she stands for.

MY GUILTY PLEASURE: I treat myself to McDonald’s every once in a while. But I actually prefer Burger King. I get the number 11, the double cheeseburger meal.

IF I WASN’T IN THE NFL: I’d probably be a high school teacher and coach. I’d teach math, algebra.

smanza@projo.com