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8 most essential players on Patriots roster

By Connor Fulton

Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) reacts during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) reacts during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nate Solder Patriots
Dec 7, 2014; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Chargers outside linebacker Dwight Freeney (93) and New England Patriots tackle Nate Solder (77) work against one another during the third quarter at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports /

7. Nate Solder

2015 story: Solder was having a bit of a down year protecting Tom Brady’s blindside, and then things went from bad to worse in Week 5 when he sustained a torn bicep against the Dallas Cowboys. It was initially thought to be a minor elbow injury, but it wrecked Solder’s entire season.

Why he’s essential: Solder may not be the absolute best left tackle in the world, but he is the Patriots’ franchise left tackle, as evidenced by the two-year, $20 million-plus extension he signed last September. Certainly, he’s more dependable than Marcus Cannon at left tackle. Solder’s value to the offensive line was felt in his absence, as that pesky biceps tear proved to be the first shoe to drop in what would become the 2015 Patriots’ downfall, an injury-ravaged offensive line.

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What would happen if he got hurt in 2016: The one knock this writer has on the Patriots’ offseason was the lack of an addition at tackle, particularly left tackle. Unfortunately, if Solder were to get hurt for an extended period of time once again, the Patriots would be back to relying on Cannon, Cameron Fleming and LaAdrian Waddle to fill the void.

Recent news about Solder: Last month, ESPN’s Mike Reiss took note of Solder’s value while realizing that the Patriots didn’t find a suitable tackle addition in the offseason.

Next: 6. Devin McCourty

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