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10 Most promising sophomore pros on Patriots roster

By Connor Fulton

Sep 27, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots outside linebacker Geneo Grissom (92) before the start of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 27, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots outside linebacker Geneo Grissom (92) before the start of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /
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Geneo Grissom Patriots
Sep 27, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots outside linebacker Geneo Grissom (92) before the start of the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Lang-USA TODAY Sports /

Everyone likes to talk about New England Patriots rookies and veteran additions at this time of year, but we’re going to take a look at the 10 most promising second-year Patriots players.

10. Geneo Grissom

2015 stats: Six tackles, sack (15 games)

What makes him promising: Although he didn’t touch the field all that often, Grissom earned his stripes as a rookie by suiting up in all but one regular season game. He demonstrated potential as an edge rusher, eventually getting rewarded in the form of a Ryan Tannehill sack in Week 17.

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Training camp competition: Grissom must prove himself against fellow 2015 draft pick Trey Flowers as well as veteran newcomers Frank Kearse and Anthony Johnson. It’s unlikely Grissom will start 2016 ahead of Jabaal Sheard, Rob Ninkovich or Chris Long on the depth chart, but a strong showing in training camp to earn the No. 4 defensive end spot is a reasonable possibility.

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2016 expectations: Look for Grissom to catch fire in a few games when opposing offensive lines are more preoccupied with the obvious pass rushing threats like Sheard, Nink, Long, Dont’a HIghtower and Jamie Collins. By the end of the season, Grissom should be pushing Nink and Long for snaps in the rotation.

Optimistic 2016 forecast: 21 tackles, five sacks, forced fumble (16 games)

Next: 9. Joe Cardona

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