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Patriots: Which offseason additions will be most impactful in 2016?

By Connor Fulton

Oct 4, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) celebrates after he catches a pass for a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 4, 2015; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears tight end Martellus Bennett (83) celebrates after he catches a pass for a touchdown in the second quarter of the game against the Oakland Raiders at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Matt Marton-USA TODAY Sports /
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Chris Long Patriots
Dec 7, 2014; Landover, MD, USA; St. Louis Rams defensive end Chris Long (91) prepares to rush against the Washington Redskins during the first half at FedEx Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Chris Long

First off, there’s no doubt that Long will bring an element of stardom to the Patriots’ pass rush. In the wake of the Chandler Jones trade, Bill Belichick was wise to cover his bases and sign a big-name pass rusher. Much like the signing of Kearse to replace Hicks on the roster, the Patriots didn’t miss a beat by nabbing Long in Jones’ place.

RELATED: Patriots sign Chris Long

That being said, don’t have lofty expectations for Long in 2016. He’s started just 11 games in the past two seasons after not missing a single game for four years. Long has also suffered a lull in production having notched just four sacks in 2014 and 2015 combined.

Long turns 31 a week from today, as well, so he’s no spring chicken. Keep that in mind.

Long will likely rotate with 2015 standout Jabaal Sheard and iron man Rob Ninkovich at the top of the Patriots’ pass rushing ladder, but don’t forget about 2015 draft picks Trey Flowers and Geneo Grissom knocking on the door.

Next: 4. Jonathan Cooper

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