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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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Sep 20, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates a touchdown during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Patriots beat the Bills 40-32. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) celebrates a touchdown during the first half against the Buffalo Bills at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Patriots beat the Bills 40-32. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Rob Gronkowski

Remember all that “impact” stuff I said about Julian Edelman? Multiply it by 100, and that is what Rob Gronkowski brings to the table.

Edelman helps this offense run, but Gronk is the offense. The mismatches he brings to the table is why this offense is so good, and why he is almost the most important player on the team. There is no one in the league that has his combination of size, strength, athleticism and excellent hands, and that is why he is the most dominating force in the entire league.

If you try putting a linebacker on him, he will run right past him. If you put a corner or safety on him, he will use his big body to just box them out and make a play. Defenses usually resort to double and triple-teaming him, and that not only doesn’t slow him down, but it also opens up tons of 1-on-1 opportunities for the likes of Edelman, Amendola, Lewis and this year Martellus Bennett and Chris Hogan.

Rob Gronkowski may just be the best overall player in the NFL. He is ultra talented, and an absolute freak of nature. As long as he is in the game with Tom Brady, this team will always have a chance to contend for a championship.

Next: Number One

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