Patriots kickoff 2016: A look at Kamu Grugier-Hill

Aug 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Gophers running back David Cobb (27) gets tackled in the first quarter by Eastern Illinois Panthers linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill (32) at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Gophers running back David Cobb (27) gets tackled in the first quarter by Eastern Illinois Panthers linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill (32) at TCF Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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With kickoff looming just 48 days away, we are continuing our summer-long profile series by taking a closer look at the owner of the No. 48 jersey, rookie hybrid linebacker/safety Kamu Grugier-Hill.

Size: 6-foot-2, 215 pounds

College: Eastern Illinois

NFL experience: Rookie

The Patriots selected Grugier-Hill with the No. 208 overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. Boasting great length and range, Grugier-Hill looks like another one of those hybrid linebacker/safety types. You can bet that Bill Belichick is interested to see how Grugier-Hill’s athletic 6-foot-2 frame fares on special teams; down the road, Grugier-Hill offers potential in sub packages.

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What you should know about Grugier-Hill, first and foremost, is that he possess insane speed. He ripped off a 4.45-second 40-yard dash time at the combine, and that quickness is on display when KGH cuts and changes direction. Physically, he is a very intriguing prospect. The Patriots are going to have fun toying around with the Eastern Illinois product and seeing where he fits best.

Recent installments in Patriots kick-off countdown profile series:

49 days – No. 49 Joe Cardona

50 days – No. 50 Rob Ninkovich

52 days – No. 52 Elandon Roberts

Unfortunately for Grugier-Hill, the Patriots do not lack special teams studs. From Brandon Bolden to Matthew Slater, Jonathan Freeny to Ramon Humber and Nate Ebner to Brandon King, the Patriots have plenty of special teams weapons. In addition to those guys, Grugier-Hill will be working against fellow depth linebackers Kevin Snyder, Elandon Roberts and Rufus Johnson.

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However, it’s hard to imagine a scenario in which Grugier-Hill doesn’t at least make the practice squad. He holds so much potential; it’s just a matter of time until the Patriots find some sort of specific role for Grugier-Hill.

Next: 10 Most Exciting Sophomore Pros on Pats Roster

Be sure to stop by Musket Fire on tomorrow morning as we count down 47 days until kickoff by profiling the owner of the No. 47, running back Joey Iosefa.