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Patriots discussion: Musket Fire Roundtable 5/19

By Connor Fulton

Sep 5, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (26) catches a touchdown pass defended by Louisiana Monroe Warhawks cornerback Lenzy Pipkins (1) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Louisiana Monroe 51-14 in a game shortened by thunder storms. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 5, 2015; Athens, GA, USA; Georgia Bulldogs wide receiver Malcolm Mitchell (26) catches a touchdown pass defended by Louisiana Monroe Warhawks cornerback Lenzy Pipkins (1) during the second half at Sanford Stadium. Georgia defeated Louisiana Monroe 51-14 in a game shortened by thunder storms. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dont'a Hightower Patriots
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After injuries ended what looked to be a promising 2015 campaign and a busy offseason, what is your bold prediction heading into the 2016 season?

Kirk von Kreisler – Jamie Collins and Dont’a Hightower will both make an All-Pro team after only Collins made the second All-Pro team last season. With Hightower and Collins side-by-side, the Patriots defense will get a ton of attention this season. Collins’ will continue to show off his athleticism and he will be a force to reckoned with. Hightower, the bruiser, will also make heads turn with his exceptional pass-rushing and run-defending skills. Hightower is often overlooked next to Collins, the human freak, but he is just as essential to anchoring the Patriots defense (e.g. the one shoulder goal-line tackle on Lynch in Super Bowl XLIX). Both will have an incredible season and solidify their spot as a top-three linebacker unit in the entire league.

Connor Fulton – Cyrus Jones will win Defensive Rookie of the Year. Yes, it’s early – we haven’t even gotten through OTAs – but there is such a great opportunity for this rookie. He won’t be tasked with covering No. 1 or even No. 2 wideouts, as Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan will start on the outside. All Jones will have to do with his outstanding footwork, coverage ability and ball skills is shut down the slot, an area the Patriots’ secondary has struggled in since Kyle Arrington’s departure. Oh, and he’s an excellent punt returner, so two or three punt return touchdowns in addition to five or six interceptions will put Jones in the running for this prestigious honor.

David Smith – Provided Brady is able to win his 2nd suspension, I think the season should get off to a quick start. If Brady plays the first 4, I see them going 3-1, if not, they could be 1-3 and behind the 8 ball by the time Brady returns. I really like the pieces they’ve brought in this year though. I think if Bennett is able to keep his focus and poise, the team would go something like 12-4 even with Brady’s suspension. If Brady plays all 16 games, I see them going 14-2.

Andre Menice – Provided that health is not an issue this season like last season, I see New England with a 12 and 4 record and representing the AFC in the Super Bowl this year. I believe their biggest hurdles lay in the AFC North with Pittsburgh and Baltimore. I don’t believe the Steelers nor the Ravens have the defenses to stop Brady, Gronk, Edelman, Bennett, Amendola, etc.

Next: AFC Power Rankings: Pats top post-draft edition

Stay tuned for another Thursday Roundtable next week.

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