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Top 10 battles to watch in Patriots training camp

By Connor Fulton

Aug 6, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) scrambles during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 6, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) scrambles during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Josh Kline Patriots
Sep 20, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Marcell Dareus (99) lines up on New England Patriots guard Josh Kline (67) during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Patriots defeat the Bills 40 to 32. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports /

9. Josh Kline vs. Jonathan Cooper vs. Joe Thuney

In what was a very forgettable year for the majority of the Patriots’ offensive line, Kline was actually a bright spot. He started a career-high 13 games a year after being the Patriots’ only non-quarterback to dress for Super Bowl XLIX but not actually touch the field. Offseason additions Cooper and Thuney do present a bit of a threat to Kline, however, and he will have to be on his game from the first whistle to remain on the roster.

8 most essential players on Patriots’ roster

Cooper, of course, slogged through three underwhelming seasons with the Arizona Cardinals before being a trade piece in the Chandler Jones sweepstakes. He was remarkable at North Carolina, becoming the highest-drafted guard since the Ronald Reagan administration, but injury woes in the pros have halted Cooper’s development. The Patriots think he could turn his career around; time will tell.

Versatile offensive lineman Thuney will push both of these veterans. It would be surprising if the Patriots cut their second selection in this spring’s draft.

Advantage: Kline

Next: 8. Iosefa vs. Develin

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