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5 Patriots roster battles to watch in preseason Week 4

By Connor Fulton

Aug 11, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Tyler Gaffney (36) runs past the tackle of New Orleans Saints free safety Vonn Bell (48) for a touchdown during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 11, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Tyler Gaffney (36) runs past the tackle of New Orleans Saints free safety Vonn Bell (48) for a touchdown during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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Kamu Grugier-Hill Patriots
Aug 18, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Kieren Duncan (85) runs the ball against New England Patriots outside linebacker Kamu Grugier-Hill (48) and running back Tyler Gaffney (36) in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Bears 23-22. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Kamu Grugier-Hill vs. Elandon Roberts

Now that Jonathan Freeny has been extended through the 2018 season, it’s fair to say that the Patriots roster locks at linebacker are him, Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins and Barkevious Mingo/Shea McClellin. That leaves really only one more spot on the final Patriots roster. With Ramon Humber now out of the picture in New England, the focus is on Grugier-Hill and  Roberts.  

Chris Hogan could play big role for Patriots in 2016

Grugier-Hill has been more or less ushered into the 53-man conversation since his drafting because of his intriguing frame at 6-foot-2, 220 pounds and his mountains of special teams potential. However, Jimmy Garoppolo’s old teammate at Eastern Illinois is being pushed by Roberts. The Patriots have demonstrated an interest in the Houston product, probably because of his leadership ability (he captained Houston as a senior) and tackling prowess (he led the FBS with 88 solo tackles last year).

Edge: Grugier-Hill

Next: 1. LeBlanc vs. Jones vs. Roberts

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