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Expectations of Patriots’ fourth-year players

By Connor Fulton

Sep 27, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) fumbles the ball forward as he is hit by New England Patriots outside linebacker Jamie Collins (91) in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) fumbles the ball forward as he is hit by New England Patriots outside linebacker Jamie Collins (91) in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /
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Duron Harmon Patriots
Sep 20, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Duron Harmon (30) runs with the ball after he intercepts a pass as Buffalo Bills wide receiver Sammy Watkins (14) pursues during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Duron Harmon (2013 third-rounder)

2013 stats: 15 games (three starts), 31 combined tackles, four passes defended, two interceptions

2014 stats: 16 games (no starts), 13 combined tackles, two passes defended, interception

2015 stats: 16 games (five starts), 19 combined tackles, five passes defended, three interceptions

The latest defensive back to enter New England through the Rutgers pipeline, Harmon has proven to be a capable backup free safety behind fellow Rutgers alum Devin McCourty.

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Certainly, the highlight of Harmon’s career thus far was his game-clinching interception of Joe Flacco in the 2014 Divisional Round thriller over the Baltimore Ravens. That play was Harmon in a nutshell, backpedalling and surveying the field before making a nice play on the ball.

Last season, Harmon continued to be an opportunistic center fielder for the Patriots, corraling a trio of interceptions. However, he was burned by Brandon Marshall in the second regular season game against the New York Jets, reminding us why it’s better for Harmon to remain a backup.

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2016 expectations: 16 games (four starts), 22 combined tackles, five passes defended, two interceptions

Barring significant injuries at safety, it’s hard to imagine Harmon’s numbers deviating all that much from his first three seasons. He’s a solid, dependable role player.

Next: 4. Logan Ryan

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