Musket Fire
FanSided

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 /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
7 of 9
Next
Shea McClellin Patriots
Nov 15, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Chicago Bears inside linebacker Shea McClellin (50) is congratulated by teammates after recovering a fumble by St. Louis Rams running back Tre Mason (27) during the first half at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Billy Hurst-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Shea McClellin

McClellin has to be viewed as one of the most impactful signings of the Patriots’ offseason because he appears to be filling the No. 3 role behind Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins.

RELATED: Patriots sign Shea McClellin to three-year deal

Of course, there’s Jonathan Freeny to keep in mind in that spot, but considering how much the Patriots paid McClellin ($3.5 million guaranteed), you have to think that Bill Belichick intends to utilize McClellin early and often in 2016.

RELATED: Details of Shea McClellin’s contract released

What McClellin brings to the table most prominently is something that we all know Belichick is very keen on: versatility. McClellin can rush the passer and play on the inside as well as the outside as a linebacker.

Sure, McClellin’s stint in Chicago didn’t go as planned. But there’s no better place for a former first round pick to resurrect his career than New England.

Next: 2. Chris Hogan

Home/Patriots News