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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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Joe Cardona Patriots
Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots long snapper Joe Cardona (49) against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Joe Cardona

What makes him promising: As a rookie, Cardona waltzed into training camp and won over the starting long snapper job. He probably should be ranked higher on this list because of his potential to be a long-term starter, but long snapper is one of the more replaceable positions in the league so Cardona gets pegged at No. 9.

Joe Cardona cleared by Navy to play for Pats in 2016

Training camp competition: The Patriots signed Christian Yount in anticipation of Cardona possibly being shipped into Navy duty in 2016. However, now that Cardona is back for the year, Yount’s day is in New England are numbered. The Patriots are much better off with Cardona, as UCLA product Yount spent the entire 2015 season on the couch.

These 30 players will definitely make the final roster

2016 expectations: Barring some unforeseen training camp development, Cardona will be the Patriots’ Week 1 starter at long snapper and should maintain that role throughout the season.

Optimistic 2016 forecast: 16 starts and a Pro Bowl nod.

Next: 8. Jordan Richards

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