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2016 NFL Draft: 6 reasons why Patriots fans should be excited

By Connor Fulton

Jan 3, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on from the sideline during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 3, 2016; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on from the sideline during the second half against the Miami Dolphins at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 20-10. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports /
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Malcom Brown Patriots
May 27, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots first-round draft choice defensive lineman Malcom Brown speaks with the media following an introduction ceremony at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Recent record of success

There’s always a ton of hype surrounding prospects when they get drafted, but only a fraction of them end up getting on the field and making contributions. If you can get three, four players to develop into starters or at least capable depth options in a draft haul, you’re doing well.

5 positions Patriots will address in 2016 NFL Draft

If you look at the Patriots’ recent drafts, you’ll see they are regularly culling a handful of dependable players from each draft class.

In 2013, the Pats used their first pick on All-Pro linebacker Jamie Collins, who will contend for a Defensive Player of the Year award in 2016. They also snagged starting cornerback Logan Ryan out of that draft, as well as backup free safety Duron Harmon.

2014 saw the selection of starting center Bryan Stork, spark plug running back James White, athletic (albeit oft-injured) defensive lineman Dominique Easley and quarterback of the future Jimmy Garoppolo.

Top 6 breakout candidates on defense

Last spring, the Patriots leapt on Malcom Brown, who was a quick study and made an immediate impact. They also picked up a pair of starting guards in Tre’ Jackson and Shaq Mason.

In the 2016 NFL Draft, the Patriots will keep up the good work by selecting at least three more impact players.

Next: 5. Injection of youth into roster

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