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6 dark horse candidates to make New England Patriots roster

By Connor Fulton

Aug 26, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; New England Patriots running back Tyler Gaffney (36) evades Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 26, 2016; Charlotte, NC, USA; New England Patriots running back Tyler Gaffney (36) evades Carolina Panthers middle linebacker Luke Kuechly (59) in the first quarter at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports /
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Elandon Roberts Patriots roster
Jul 30, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick talks with inside linebacker Elandon Roberts (52) as defensive coordinator Matt Patricia watches a drill during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

Patriots roster dark horse #5 – Elandon Roberts

He may be a bit undersized for a full-time linebacker, but Roberts has been drawing the Patriots’ eye all summer. The Houston product fits the Patriot Way with his quiet demeanor, work ethic and dependability. It also should be noted that Roberts led the FBS with 88 solo tackles last year, so there is no doubt that the knows how to fly around the field and make tackles.

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However, Roberts probably faces the longest odds to make the final Patriots roster out of this group because there just might not be room for him on the linebacker depth chart. With Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins, Shea McClellin, Barkevious Mingo and recently-extended Jonathan Freeny entrenched on the roster, Roberts will have to fight with fellow 2016 draft pick Kamu Grugier-Hill for the last spot. A practice squad role would suit the rookie just fine for starters; Roberts will work his way up, no doubt.

Next: Dark horse #6 - Cre’Von LeBlanc

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