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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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Rob Gronkowski Patriots
Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Kansas City Chiefs during the first quarter in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Tight end

The presence of Rob Gronkowski alone makes this position one of the Patriots’ strongest positions. Gronk is a truly special player; the NFL hasn’t seen anyone quite like him in recent memory. The Arizona product put forth another great season in 2015, leading the Patriots with 1,176 yards and 11 touchdowns on 72 receptions.

Michael Williams is virtually a sixth offensive lineman when he’s on the field, snowplowing in the run game. He ought to have a spot on the Patriots’ final roster in 2016.
After Gronk there is certainly room for improvement in the passing game. Scott Chandler didn’t really pan out in 2015, catching just 24 passes for 259 yards and four touchdowns, barely getting used at all from December on.

What the Patriots should do over the offseason: Go after a large, athletic tight end like Ladarius Green in free agency to provide Brady with twin towers at tight end, or Jerrell Williams in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Next: 2. Linebackers

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