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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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Devin McCourty Patriots
Sep 27, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots free safety Devin McCourty (32) intercepts a pass by Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) (not pictured) in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

6. Devin McCourty

2015 story: For a second, it looked like the Jacksonville Jaguars were about to nab Devin McCourty in 2015 free agency, but then Bill Belichick made a midnight call to his 2010 first round pick and retained D-Mac on a five-year, $47.5 million deal. A high ankle sprain forced McCourty out of two games, but he continued to deliver as one of the NFL’s better safeties, totaling 64 tackles, a sack, five passes defended and an interception.

Why he’s essential: McCourty is the complete package. He is excellent in run support, a dependable tackler and rangy security blanket in the back end. Just ask Logan Ryan about his fellow Rutgers alum; McCourty provided constant help toward Ryan’s side when No. 26 covered the opposing team’s No. 1 receiver. The duo of Ryan and McCourty on the likes of DeAndre Hopkins and Demaryius Thomas worked as well as the Patriots could have hoped.

Are there any offensive free agents worth considering?

What would happen if McCourty got hurt in 2016: Most likely, the Patriots would slot Duron Harmon into the starting lineup, just like they did when McCourty’s high ankle sprain held him out of a few games in 2015. Harmon is a decent backup, but we all remember how Brandon Marshall embarrassed him on a touchdown catch in Week 15. He’s nowhere close to McCourty.

Recent news about McCourty: As a result of his leadership on and off the field, McCourty was placed into Rutgers Hall of Distinguished Alumni earlier this offseason.  

Next: 5. Julian Edelman

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