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Patriots training camp Week 1: Predicting final roster

By Connor Fulton

Jun 7, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) uses a ball machine during mini camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski (3) uses a ball machine during mini camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Devin McCourty Patriots
Nov 8, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots free safety Devin McCourty (32) reacts with New England Patriots strong safety Patrick Chung (23) after a play against the Washington Redskins in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Redskins 27-10. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

Free safety (2): Devin McCourty, Duron Harmon

Strong safety (2): Patrick Chung, Jordan Richards

Practice squad: Brock Vereen

Cut: Cedric Thompson

One of the more underrated starting safety duos in the NFL, McCourty and Chung will pilot the back end of the secondary into the Arizona desert in Week 1. McCourty continues to play as a top-five free safety, and Chung has proven to be a force against the run and surprisingly effective in coverage since returning to New England after a brief, terrible stint with Philly back in 2013.

Bill Belichick bounce back crucial in 2016

Harmon and Richards are neither extraordinary nor entirely awful. Harmon has displayed a knack for being opportunistic as a center fielder, as a scooped up a few more easy overthrown interceptions in 2015. But he also got embarrassed by Brandon Marshall in Week 15 while filling-in for McCourty, so a backup is what he should remain for the time being. The Pats likely won’t take Vereen onto the active roster, but they should stow him away on the practice squad for developmental depth purposes.

Next: Special teams (5)

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