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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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Malcom Brown Patriots
Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Malcom Brown (90) recovers a fumble during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Texans 27-6. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Malcom Brown

What makes him promising: Brown became the Patriots’ top interior defensive lineman as the 2015 season wore on, playing like a seasoned veteran in the complex defensive system. He is a humble player, a hard worker and fully bought-in to the Patriots’ way of doing things. The future is bright for the Texas product.

Training camp competition: Brown will be contending with veterans Alan Branch and Terrance Knighton for the top interior role on the Patriots’ defense. Rookies Vincent Valentine and Woodrow Hamilton, as well as free agent signing Markus Kuhn, shouldn’t worry Brown.

Analyzing Malcolm Mitchell-Troy Brown comparison

2016 expectations: Start all 16 games and remind fans of Vince Wilfork circa early 2010s. Brown’s rise will allow the Patriots to phase out the aging Branch and Knighton in the coming years.

Optimistic 2016 forecast: Brown becomes a top five defensive lineman in the NFL and earns a Pro Bowl berth.

Next: An interesting fact about each offseason addition

Stay tuned for fresh points of analysis here on Musket Fire throughout the month as we wait patiently for the start of training camp.

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