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2016 Patriots Free Agency: 5 Dream Targets

By Connor Fulton

Nov 9, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Chicago Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) is defended by San Diego Chargers cornerback Patrick Robinson (26) on a 14-yard reception in the second quarter in a NFL football game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 9, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; Chicago Bears receiver Alshon Jeffery (17) is defended by San Diego Chargers cornerback Patrick Robinson (26) on a 14-yard reception in the second quarter in a NFL football game at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Rolando McClain
Oct 11, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) is sacked by Dallas Cowboys linebacker Rolando McClain (55) at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Rolando McClain

Now that Jerod Mayo has retired, there is room for a plug in the Patriots’ linebacker corps behind stars Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins. Since there is no overwhelming candidate currently on the roster to step up and fill the hole (Jonathan Freeny, Darius Fleming and Dekoda Watson don’t exactly instill excitement), the Patriots are in the market for a free agent linebacker.

McClain would certainly be a dream signing, as the Patriots have shown interest in the veteran before. A linebacker depth chart of Hightower, Collins and McClain would certainly give the Patriots one of the deepest and most athletic groups in the league.

While McClain can be a liability in run defense, he is excellent in pass coverage. Collins and Hightower are both stalwarts against the run, so the Pats are fine in that aspect. They could use McClain’s coverage skills against big, athletic tight ends.

Next: 1. Sean Smith

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