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New England Patriots: 5 Most Important Players Of 2016

By Cyrus Geller

Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) warm up before the start of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 20, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) warm up before the start of the game against the Tennessee Titans at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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NFL: Super Bowl XLIX-New England Patriots vs Seattle Seahawks
NFL: Super Bowl XLIX-New England Patriots vs Seattle Seahawks /

4. Dont’a Hightower/Jamie Collins

I know this is cheating, but I couldn’t decide between these two, so included both. Hightower and Collins are two of the three best interior linebackers in the NFL, and they are the biggest reason why this defense is one of the better units in the league.

Hightower is excellent in the run game and quarterbacking this defense, and Collins’ freaky athleticism allows him to cover people he shouldn’t be able to cover, and rush the passer like a defensive end. The combination of these two on the field allows everyone else to be more aggressive, and it allows Matt Patricia to be very versatile with his defensive calls.

If either of these two go down, the drop-off in depth behind them is steep. Whether it is Jonathan Freeny, Shea McClellin, or even Rob Ninkovich, none of those guys even come close to the talent and productivity of Hightower and Collins. Without them, this defense would be exposed in both the running game and passing game.

Next: Number Three

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