New England Patriots 50 most important players and coaches in 2017

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FOXBORO, MA – AUGUST 11: Nate Solder /

12. RB James White

James White and Mike Gillislee will battle it out for the starting role in 2017, but for now, I give the edge to White. We all know what he did in the Super Bowl but in the regular season, he rushed for just 166 yards while adding 551 as a receiver. He should see a huge increase in his ground numbers this season.

11. RB Mike Gillislee

See above. One of these two, Gillislee or White, will set themselves up as the true No. 1 for the New England Patriots. With the Bills last season, Gillislee averaged 5.7 yards per carry. You can’t get much better than that!

10. LT Nate Solder

Big Nate Solder will be relied on once again to protect Tom Brady’s blindside. Overall, he’s the most important New England Patriots lineman in 2017.

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