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Patriots: Ranking positions by strength

By Connor Fulton

Sep 27, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) congratulates wide receiver Josh Boyce (82) after his touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the the Jacksonville Jaguars 51-17. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) congratulates wide receiver Josh Boyce (82) after his touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the the Jacksonville Jaguars 51-17. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jabaal Sheard Patriots
Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) is tackled by New England Patriots defensive end Jabaal Sheard (93) in the first quarter in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Defensive line

This is an area the Patriots have improved immensely in over recent years. The defensive line has grown into a major strength for the Patriots.

Akiem Hicks and Alan Branch provide veteran beef in the interior, and rookie Malcom Brown was everything the Patriots could have asked for and more in 2015. And don’t forget about 2014 first rounder Dominique Easley, who flashed promise last year before going down with an injury against the Houston Texans.

Moving outward, the defensive line only gets stronger at the ends. Chandler Jones ranked fifth in the league with 12.5 sacks, the most by a Patriot since Mike Vrabel totaled that amount in 2007. Rob Ninkovich was an iron man per usual, and Jabaal Sheard was easily the Patriots’ best signing in 2015 free agency.

The future looks bright at defensive end with 2015 picks Geneo Grissom and Trey Flowers coming up through the ranks.

What the Patriots should do over the offseason: Not much has to be done year, as the Patriots have a great blend of veteran leadership and influx of promising youth.

Next: 3. Tight end

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