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8 players who will help Jimmy Garoppolo the most

By Connor Fulton

Aug 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) warms up before the start of the game against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) warms up before the start of the game against the Chicago Bears at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /
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Malcolm Butler Patriots
Aug 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) breaks up a pass intended for Chicago Bears wide receiver Deonte Thompson (14) during the first half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Malcolm Butler

With Hightower and Collins solidifying the second level and Sheard leading the pass rush, Butler will be counted on to provide top-tier coverage on his wide receiver. Logan Ryan will get help from Devin McCourty on the No. 1 wideout, but it is essential that Butler shuts down his man or else the secondary will be out of whack. If the secondary is out of whack, then those leads get larger, making Garoppolo’s job that much more difficult.

Patriots Position Switch: Malcolm Butler as WR?

Entering a contract year, Butler has no shortage of motivating factors in 2016. He will want to demonstrate to the Patriots that he is worthy of a hefty contract before free agency hits; and if free agency hits, then Butler will want to show the league that he is worth Josh Norman money (or something close to it). First thing’s first, though, and that is suring-up the secondary so that Garoppolo isn’t drowning out there.

Next: 2. Rob Gronkowski

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