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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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Julian Edelman Patriots
Jan 16, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman (11) runs onto the field before the game against the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Divisional round playoff game at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Julian Edelman

2015 story: Edelman was having an even better season than usual in 2015 before he suffered an unlucky foot injury in the thriller against the New York Giants. In only nine regular season games, Edelman totaled a career-high seven touchdowns and 692 yards and 61 receptions. Drops became a bit of an issue for Edelman, especially in the postseason, so we’ll be looking for that problem to be fixed in 2016.

Why he’s essential: Perhaps no other pass catcher in the NFL possesses Edelman’s mix of traits. He is too quick for just about any corner to cover in small spaces, too fast for any defensive back to chase in the open field, and powerful enough to bull through would-be tacklers after the catch. Not to mention, Edelman and Brady have a clear and definite love for one another and it shows on the football field. Oh, and Edelman is one of the best punt returners in NFL history.

32 offseason additions, 32 interesting facts

What would happen if Edelman got hurt in 2016: Just like last year, Danny Amendola would be asked to step up and fill the void, something Danny boy is very capable of doing. However, it would take a group effort to replace Edelman’s production; at the end of training camp, we’ll know whether or not the next man up would be Keshawn Martin, Aaron Dobson, Malcom Mitchell or Chris Hogan.

Recent news about Edelman: Various outlets have reported that Edelman is expected to be good to go for training camp despite a second surgery on that injured foot.

Next: 4. Dont’a Hightower

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