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Patriots: Forecasting Ted Karras in 2016

By Connor Fulton

Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Detailed view of a New England Patriots helmet against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Detailed view of a New England Patriots helmet against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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This is the seventh installment in a 17-part series in which we are forecasting what 2016 holds in store for each member of the New England Patriots’ rookie class. Today, we’re forecasting former Illinois guard Ted Karras.

Evaluating roster chances of every Patriots draft pick

The skinny: After taking Joe Thuney with their second selection in the 2016 NFL Draft, the Patriots added further offensive line depth by drafting Karras at No. 221. Football is in the Illinois product’s blood; He was the seventh member of his family to play Big 10 football, and he is the fourth Karras to reach the pros.

Karras is a tough man’s tough man, utilizing great upper body strength in the trenches. Also, the fact that Karras was flagged just twice over the last two seasons is noteworthy and probably is a major reason why the Pats snagged him.

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Pessimistic forecast: Karras gets slashed in the first round of cuts after a disappointing training camp. Veteran Josh Kline outperforms the rookie, and so does Thuney; with Jonathan Cooper, Shaq Mason and Tre’ Jackson in the picture at guard, Karras is the easy cut.

In-depth: Patriots draft review and grades

Optimistic forecast: Karras stands out above fellow draft pick Thuney by showing the Patriots’ coaching brass just how good he is at run blocking. If Karras can prove to be this season’s Mason in terms of an outstanding rookie run blocker, he will make the team.

12 Patriots veterans in added danger of being cut in training camp

Realistic forecast: Karras has an up-and-down training camp among a crowded group of guards. The Patriots cut him, but don’t part ways with him entirely, signing him to the practice squad to activate him when and if an injury bug hits the offensive line.

Next: AFC Power Rankings: Pats top post-draft edition

What do you think 2016 has in store for Karras? Comment below.

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