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New England Patriots: Malcolm Butler and Stephon Gilmore a top 5 tandem

By Tarringo Basile-vaughan

Dec 24, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) during the first half against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) during the first half against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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With the addition of Stephon Gilmore and Malcolm Butler staying on board, the New England Patriots have one of the top CB tandems in the NFL.

As of right now, the New England Patriots cornerback tandem of Stephon Gilmore and Malcolm Butler rank as the No. 5 duo in the league according to NFL Media analyst Ike Taylor.

It is too early to agree or disagree with Taylor’s ranking, especially since the duo haven’t played together on the field yet.  On paper, the two were among the best in the AFC last season.

In my estimation, they have a chance of ranking even higher than No. 5 once the 2017 season unfolds and here are my reasons why.

Related Story: New England Patriots: Will Malcolm Butler’s heart be in it this season?

First, I think the drama surrounding Butler’s $3.91 million tender and all the trade rumors heading into the draft motivates him.  Coming off a season where he established himself as a No. 1 cornerback, Butler was ranked No. 99 among the top 100 players in the NFL.  He also desires to earn the kind of contract his counterpart signed the first day of free agency.

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What better way to show the New England Patriots he deserves that kind of money than out performing Gilmore.  Short term at least, this benefits the defending Super Bowl champions.

Second, I think Gilmore will be utilized in a way that benefits his strength.  Having Butler on the other side will free Gilmore up to make plays. A more talented version of Logan Ryan, the former Buffalo Bills corner will have an opportunity to flourish under Bill Belichick.

Ike Taylor’s assessment

According to Taylor, the Butler/Gilmore duo may even be a little underrated.  Here is what he wrote:

"Malcolm Butler doesn’t get the credit he deserves. There was plenty of trade talk this offseason surrounding the restricted free agent, but it all ended in Butler signing his one-year tender from the Patriots in April. This guy made one of the biggest plays in our sport’s history, and his talent is still underrated. I’m interested to see how he pairs with Stephon Gilmore, who played well last year for another AFC East team in Buffalo. Gilmore was picked on early in 2016, but he quietly handled his business. He will fit in well in New England because of his ball-hawking skills. Expect him to pick off two to five more passes in 2017 than he did in 2016."

Rounding out the top 5 were Jason Verrett and Casey Hayward of the Los Angeles Chargers, Janoris Jenkins and Eli Apple of the New York Giants, Aqib Talib and Chris Harris of the Denver Broncos and A.J. Bouye and Jalen Ramsey of the Jacksonville Jaguars.

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If Malcolm butler is locked in, I don’t see why the Butler/Gilmore duo isn’t at least the No. 3 duo by the end of the season.

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