New England Patriots: 6 Players who will make the Pro Bowl in 2017

Trey Flowers, DE

2015 was less than extraordinary for Trey Flowers. Besides the fact he was entering his first season in the pros, he played in only one game all year and didn’t collect a single stat.

Following his “redshirt” rookie campaign, Flowers broke out in 2016, starting in eight games and leading the team with seven sacks. In addition, he had 45 tackles, two fumble recoveries, and a pass defended. Flowers was a major contributor in the Patriots’ Super Bowl LI win, collecting two-and-a-half sacks and six tackles.

The departure of Chandler Jones and Akiem Hicks following the 2015 season saw Flowers’ role begin to increase. In 2017, it’ll be his job to fill the shoes of Jabaal Sheard and Chris Long.

Although he hasn’t earned the same accolades as Dont’a Hightower or Malcolm Butler, Flowers certainly as the potential to be New England’s top defender this season.

In his “Film Breakdown”, Pats Pulpit’s Rich Hill (@PP_Rich_Hill) highlighted Flowers versatility in Super Bowl LI. Throughout the game, he lined up as a 0 technique, over the center, 4 technique, over the tackle’s inside shoulder, 7 technique, over the tight end, and wide-9 technique, about a foot from the tackle’s outside shoulder. Flowers multifaceted game means he can be aligned as a defensive tackle, defensive end, or outside linebacker.

Despite little playing time in 2015, Flowers made a tremendous jump in year 2. If he continues his ascent, he’ll be a Pro Bowler in 2017.