Ranking The Top 10 Players On The New England Patriots

Oct 25, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the New York Jets at Gillette Stadium. The New England Patriots won 30-23. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

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5. LB Jamie Collins

If we are talking about pure athleticism and potential, Collins would probably be number one on this list. But right now, he drops to number five, because he isn’t fully developed as a linebacker. Too often Collins will rely on his speed to cover someone, or to make a tackle, and because of that, he will take bad angles and get burnt. If Collins can play smarter and combine that with his ridiculous talent, there is no telling how high he can go.

4. LB Dont’a Hightower

Hightower is better than Collins right now. I love Collins, but there is no debating this. In a few years we may be having a completely different conversation, but as of this moment, Hightower is the better linebacker, and if it comes down to it, he should be re-signed before number 91.

What Hightower lacks in speed and athleticism, he makes up for in strength, leadership and smarts. He knows how to diagnose a play and knows where to go to stop it. He is excellent at shedding blocks and stopping the run, and when needed he can rush the passer nearly as well as Collins does.

Next: Number 3

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