Patriots: Ranking positions by strength

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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Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots outside linebacker Jamie Collins (91) tackles Denver Broncos running back Ronnie Hillman (23) for a loss during the first quarter in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Linebackers

The Patriots are extremely strong at the linebacker position because of their two-headed monster at inside linebacker. Jamie Collins and Dont’a Hightower are two of the top five, six linebackers in the entire NFL.

Despite missing four regular season games, Collins still led the Patriots in tackling. As for Hightower, the Patriots are markedly better against the run when he’s on the field.

Again, there is room for improvement at depth here. With the Jerod Mayo era likely over, the attention turns to players like Jonathan Freeny, Dekoda Watson and Darius Fleming.

What the Patriots should do over the offseason: Let Mayo and Dane Fletcher go in free agency; target Scooby Wright III in the 2016 NFL Draft.

Next: 1. Quarterbacks

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