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6 Best names on Patriots’ roster

By Connor Fulton

Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots center Bryan Stork (66) walks off the field after being injured during the second quarter in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 10, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots center Bryan Stork (66) walks off the field after being injured during the second quarter in the 2014 AFC Divisional playoff football game against the Baltimore Ravens at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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Shaq Mason Patriots
Aug 28, 2015; Charlotte, NC, USA; New England Patriots center Shaq Mason (69) on his block during the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. New England wins 17-16 over the Panthers. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Shaq Mason

There’s just no getting around the fact that “Shaq” is a great name, especially for an offensive lineman. Especially for a run-blocking specialist. Mason’s full name is Shaquille Olajuwon Mason, which only strengthens his case for having the best name on the Patriot’s roster.

According to Rich Hill of Pats Pulpit, the Patriots fielded the NFL’s third-youngest offensive line in 2015. Mason was certainly influential in lowering the average age of the Patriots’ offensive line; at age 22, Mason appeared in 14 games for the Patriots, starting in 10.

Here is Bill Belichick’s evaluation of his fourth-round pick in 2015 after the regular season:

"Probably one of the most athletic offensive linemen I’ve coached. He’d certainly been in that upper category, the upper part of that conversation. He runs well, has got very good balance, short space quickness, and he’s light on his feet.” Fundamentally, technique-wise, there are a lot of things that he still needs to work on, and Shaq has improved a lot, but there’s still things for him to work on. Things that he can do better and more consistently. But just in terms of athleticism, balance, speed, quickness, he’s very good. Very talented.”"

Next: 2. LaAdrian Waddle

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