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Patriots free agency: Who will be this year’s Jabaal Sheard?

By Connor Fulton

Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Jabaal Sheard (93) reacts after a play against the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Jabaal Sheard (93) reacts after a play against the Tennessee Titans in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Patriots free agency Shea McClellin
Dec 20, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) runs after the catch in the fourth quarter against the Chicago Bears linebacker Shea McClellin (50) at TCF Bank Stadium. The Minnesota Vikings beat the Chicago Bears 38-17. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Shea McClellin

Chances of being this year’s Sheard: 5.5/10

What makes McClellin such a great signing for the Pats is his versatility and dual ability as a run stopper and cover man. The Patriots needed to upgrade their linebacker depth after the retirement of Jerod Mayo, and they did just that by signing McClellin to be the No. 3 man.

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What keeps McClellin from reaching the 6/10 range is that he will be backing up Hightower and Collins, so hopefully, he won’t have to play starter reps as long as those superstars remain healthy. Considering the Patriots’ tendency toward a nickel defense (thus just two linebackers), McClellin won’t be on the field a ton.

Of course, in the case of injury (which happens to Hightower often), McClellin would have an opportunity to prove himself as an every-down linebacker.

It’s great to have the former first round pick on the Patriots’ roster, that’s for sure.

Next: 1. Chris Long

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