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What Justin Coleman, Brandon King bring to the Patriots

By Connor Fulton

Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Justin Coleman (22) runs onto the field during player introductions prior to the AFC Divisional round playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Justin Coleman (22) runs onto the field during player introductions prior to the AFC Divisional round playoff game against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports /
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In addition to re-signing running back LeGarrette Blount yesterday, the New England Patriots signed exclusive rights free agents Justin Coleman and Brandon King. The Patriots themselves announced the news via their website.

Two of the Patriots’ best undrafted free agent signings last year (David Andrews also makes that list), Coleman and King should not be overlooked. Both players made consistent and valuable contributions to the Patriots’ 2015 season.

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Starting with Coleman, the Tennessee product ended up being the best No. 3 corner the Patriots fielded in the nickel role. Although not the flashiest of players, Coleman was quietly solid in the secondary.

Certainly, he outperformed veterans Leonard Johnson and Rashaan Melvin. Coleman’s presence was missed in the final month of the regular season while he dealt with a head injury.

Further evidence of Coleman’s value to the Patriots’ secondary arose during the postseason. He recorded a pass breakup in each of the Patriots’ playoff games.

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Moving on to King, the Auburn product is the definition of versatility. He played defensive line, linebacker and safety in college, and with the Patriots, he has practiced as a linebacker, a position which suits his 220-pound frame.

However, King’s greatest impact has been felt on special teams, in particular the punt coverage unit. His demonstrated expertise in that area as an undrafted rookie led this writer to call King the next Matthew Slater for the Patriots.

Slater himself had this to say about his understudy during the season:

"The way he approaches his craft has been very rare for a young player. I can’t say enough good things about Brandon. Brandon has done a tremendous job of just buying in to what the coaches have asked him to do. He doesn’t say a whole lot, he just works hard. He’s really been a big weapon for us."

As you can see, both Coleman and King are sophomore pros worth keeping around, so good on the Patriots for re-signing them yesterday. Both will be useful assets in the 2016 season.

Next: 6 Reasons why Pats fans should be excited for 2016 NFL Draft

Stay tuned here on Musket Fire for coverage on every twist and turn in the Patriots’ offseason.

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