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Patriots: Top 6 breakout candidates on defense

By Connor Fulton

Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Justin Coleman (22) breaks up a pass intended for Denver Broncos wide receiver Bennie Fowler (16) in the first half in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Justin Coleman (22) breaks up a pass intended for Denver Broncos wide receiver Bennie Fowler (16) in the first half in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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Patriots Trey Flowers
Aug 13, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Trey Flowers (74) is helped off the field against the Green Bay Packers during the first half in a preseason NFL football game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Trey Flowers

An injury suffered in the preseason kept Flowers off the active roster for the majority of the 2015 season. His rookie campaign officially came to an end on Dec. 1 when the Patriots placed Flowers on injured reserve. He had been active for just one of 11 games up to that point.

However, there’s a reason the Patriots drafted Flowers at No. 101 in the 2015 NFL Draft: power. Although not the most athletic defensive end you’ll see, Flowers packs a punch. He is as good (or better) against the run than he is against the pass.

MUST READ: 2016 NFL Draft: 6 RBs Pats should mull over

In the event that the injury bug hits the Patriots’ defensive line, Flowers could be called upon to step up and prove his day-two draft stock. He appears on this list of breakout candidates because of the promise he showed in training camp before getting injured.

Of course, Flowers still has to make the final roster before we jump to any conclusions.

Speaking of 2015 third round picks…

Next: 4. Geneo Grissom

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