Counting down the most valuable Patriots -- No. 72 to No. 64

With training camp looming, we’ve decided to rate the Patriots’ roster, counting down the most valuable from No. 90 to No. 1. “Valuable” can be defined on multiple levels, but for purposes of this exercise, we’re going to take a few different things into account: talent, dependability, track record of success in the system, and their individual spot on the depth chart. (Basically: How badly would things be if they were removed from the lineup?)

There are some cases — namely, the first-year players — where it’s tough to predict where they should land. But based on their performances in the spring workouts and having talked to teammates and people around the league, we took our best shot.

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Part 2

We continue our series Wednesday with No. 72 through No. 64. You’re going to see at least half this group find a way to stick around this year, either by having an impressive summer, finding a spot on the practice squad or getting a break and landing on the back end of the final 53.

72. Nicholas Grigsby: A linebacker who made some big hits on special teams in 2017, he reminds me a bit of former Patriot Tracy White, who had the same role with the franchise a few years back. (And I say that as a compliment.) Bill Belichick loves his special teamers, and by the end of 2017, Grisgby was close to being one of the core guys. Not sure how much that’ll help his chances when it comes to making the 2018 roster, but that sort of history certainly can’t hurt his chances.