New England Patriots 50 most important players and coaches in 2017

45. DT Vincent Valentine

Last season as a rookie Vincent Valentine appeared in 13 games while tallying 11 tackles and 1 sack. In his sophomore season, the New England Patriots will hope for a spike in production. Valentine should earn more playing time behind Alan Branch and Malcolm Brown. A successful season should see him finish with 25 tackles and 2 sacks.

44. DE Geneo Grissom

Grissom may end up buried on the Patriots DE depth chart. Trey Flowers is certainly ahead of him, as is Kony Ealy. Grissom should be competing with rookie Derek Rivers for playing time, but I think Rivers will have the edge.

43. OL Cameron Fleming

Cameron Fleming is a crucial backup offensive lineman. If anyone is injured during the season, Fleming is the first man up. His value as an emergency starter is absolutely necessary to have to win in the NFL.

42. FB James Develin

James Develin doesn’t receive much praise, but he should. In a league where the true fullback is disappearing, Develin remains. He will lead the way for James White, and newcomers Rex Burkhead and Mike Gillislee.

41. ST Matthew Slater

Once again, Matthew Slater will make the team as a pure special teamer. He is relentless in his pursuit of the ball, and that’s exactly why he is the perfect Bill Belichick player.