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Patriots kickoff 2016: A look at Vinnie Sunseri

By Connor Fulton

Aug 15, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Vinnie Sunseri (43) against the Tennessee Titans during second half of a preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Tennessee Titans 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 15, 2014; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints safety Vinnie Sunseri (43) against the Tennessee Titans during second half of a preseason game at Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The New Orleans Saints defeated the Tennessee Titans 31-24. Mandatory Credit: Derick E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports /
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Today marks 42 days until the New England Patriots take the field in 2016, so we’re profiling the owner of the No. 42 jersey, safety Vinnie Sunseri.

Size: 5-foot-11, 210 pounds

College: Alabama

NFL experience: Two seasons

After winning national titles with Alabama in 2012 and 2013, Sunseri declared for the 2014 NFL Draft and was selected by the New Orleans Saints in the fifth round. Sunseri appeared in nine games for the Saints as a rookie, registering three total tackles before an arm injury ended his season. The injury theme would continue for Sunseri in 2015, as he was placed on injured reserve with a bum knee after clearing waivers post-training camp.

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The Saints decided to part ways with Sunseri in late April, and he’s been on the couch ever since. Sunseri joins former Saints teammate Ramon Humber as roster hopefuls in New England. Both Sunseri and Humber have one avenue onto the final roster, or even the practice squad: special teams.

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Look, Sunseri was a pretty valuable part of those championship-winning Rolling Tide teams back in 2012 and 2013. He made his mark on special teams, but Sunseri also benefited Alabama with his ability as a hybrid linebacker/safety. In the NFL, Sunseri is too small to play linebacker, but nonetheless his flexibility will appeal to Bill Belichick (he was the No. 18 linebacker prospect coming out of high school).

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In New England, Sunseri will be working against the likes of Cedric Thompson, Brock Vereen and Jordan Richards to crack the bottom of the Patriots’ strong safety depth chart behind Patrick Chung. What may be even more pertinent for Sunseri, however, is proving himself among the Patriots’ wealth of offseason special teams additions.

Next: 10 Most Exciting Sophomore Pros on Pats Roster

Be sure to stop by Musket Fire on tomorrow morning as we count down 41 days until kickoff by profiling the owner of the No. 41 jersey, safety Cedric Thompson.

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