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Patriots: 10 Most Valuable Players from 2015 Regular Season

By Connor Fulton

iDec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) reacts with quarterback Tom Brady (12) after scoring a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
iDec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) reacts with quarterback Tom Brady (12) after scoring a touchdown against the Tennessee Titans in the first quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Devin McCourty Patriots
Mark L. Baer-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Devin McCourty

Thankfully, the Patriots retained McCourty during a free agency period that saw Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner and Kyle Arrington depart the secondary. Without McCourty, Butler wouldn’t have had such a solid sophomore season and Logan Ryan would have been completely and utterly estranged at the No. 2 position.

As it turns out, Ryan has had a pretty decent season in his third year with the Patriots, and he can owe that success in part to his fellow Rutgers alum. Often, the Patriots have slapped Butler on the No. 2 wideout, a matchup that Butler just about always wins; and then they give Ryan the tough No. 1 assignment, but with the security blanket of McCourty over the top.

Top 15 Patriots moments of 2015

A mark of a good safety is noticing how much he’s missed when not on the field, and that was clear in Week 16 against the New York Jets when Duron Harmon filled-in for the injured D-Mac and got absolutely toasted by Brandon Marshall. When McCourty isn’t on the field, the Patriots’ pass defense is very vulnerable.

That’s why McCourty should be considered the sixth-most valuable member of the Patriots entering the postseason.

Next: 5. Jamie Collins

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