Patriots: Forecasting Vincent Valentine in 2016
This is the sixth installment in a 17-part series in which we are forecasting what 2016 holds in store for each member of the New England Patriots’ rookie class. Today, we’re forecasting former Nebraska defensive tackle Vincent Valentine in 2016.
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The skinny: The No. 96 overall pick of the 2016 NFL Draft possesses insane playing strength and size at 6-foot-3, 329 pounds. Valentine carries his weight well for such a big guy, as evidenced by his 5.19-second time in the 40-yard dash. The knock on Valentine is his work ethic and lack of production as a senior, but you can bet that the rookie is tired of hearing about that and will look to prove the doubters wrong in 2016.
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Pessimistic forecast: The doubters prove right. Valentine’s work ethic does not improve in the pros, and the Patriots lose patience with the rookie early and often. Undrafted signing Woodrow Hamilton and veteran additions Markus Kuhn and Frank Kearse outplay Valentine in training camp for depth behind Malcom Brown, Alan Branch and Terrance Knighton. Valentine gets cut before Week 1.
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Optimistic forecast: All those work ethic worries are quickly thrown out the window as it becomes apparent just how good Valentine is on the interior of the defensive line. While he may not be the kind of inside pass rusher that Dominique Easley was, Valentine is a different mold of defensive tackle; he plugs holes and enables outside pass rushers. As the season progresses, Valentine rises above Knighton and Branch on the depth chart.
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Realistic forecast: Valentine flashes promise in training camp, enough for the Patriots to bring him onto the final roster, but he remains behind Brown, Knighton and Branch on the depth chart all season. Valentine sees occasional spells of playing time and improves with each game. 2017 figures to be Valentine’s first season as a regular contributor.
Next: AFC Power Rankings: Pats top post-draft edition
What do you think 2016 has in store for Valentine? Comment below.