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New England Patriots: Taking a crack at the 53-man roster

By Logan Jakubajtys

Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) runs on to the field prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) runs on to the field prior to the game against the Los Angeles Rams at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots
Dec 12, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Trey Flowers (98) waits for a snap during the first half of a game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

Defensive Tackles (4)

  • Alan Branch
  • Malcolm Brown
  • Lawrence Guy
  • Vincent Valentine

Alan Branch is the big man in the middle that sometimes goes unappreciated. He’s a solid run stopper who has clogged up holes ever since Vince Wilfork left for Houston. Interior linemen don’t get much attention, but he surely deserves it.

Malcolm Brown and Vincent Valentine will aim to continue their improvement in the NFL behind Branch, while Lawrence Guy has the versatility to also play on the edge. Once again, the middle of the line should be no problem for the New England Patriots.

Edge Defenders (5)

  • Trey Flowers
  • Rob Ninkovich
  • Kony Ealy
  • Derek Rivers
  • Deatrich Wise Jr.

Trey Flowers had a breakout year in 2016, and he will look to be even better this season. He had 7 sacks last year, and then another 2.5 in the Super Bowl. Flowers will be joined by Rob Ninkovich as the edge starters, but there’s a solid group behind them.

Kony Ealy was brought in from Carolina, while New England added Derek Rivers and Deatrich Wise Jr. in the NFL Draft. Ealy has yet to reach his NFL potential, but his former coaches think the change of scenery in New England could help him play to his abilities.

Derek Rivers was an unheralded pass rusher at Youngstown State and he may have some issues adjusting to the speed of the NFL game, but he certainly has a high ceiling.

Linebackers (5)

  • Dont’a Hightower
  • Kyle Van Noy
  • Elandon Roberts
  • Shea McClellin
  • Harvey Langi

In my opinion, there are three locks at linebacker in Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy, and Elandon Roberts. Beyond that, it’s a guessing game.

Shea McClellin’s work on special teams should earn him a spot here, and I think Harvey Langi will be the surprise. Langi signed a rich contract for an undrafted free agent, so the Patriots clearly think that he has what it takes to make it as an NFL linebacker. The former BYU Cougar should find himself playing in Foxboro on Sunday’s.

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