Counting down the most valuable Patriots -- No. 54 to 46

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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We continue our series today with No. 54 through No. 46. We’re starting to get into an important part of the roster. These are guys who — at least right now — project mostly as backups and complementary players. But if there’s an injury, trade or surprise cut, they could be thrust into a starting role at some point along the way.

54. Duke Dawson: Is this the beginning of the end for Cyrus Jones? Dawson, who was taken in the second round out of Florida, is a scrappy corner who is instantly part of the mix at the back end of that depth chart. (It’s a group that includes Cyrus and Jonathan Jones.) Dawson will make the team — it’s just going to be a matter of how many snaps he gets and where.



53. Brandon Bolden: I’m done leaving this special teamer and backup running back off my 53-man. It’s remarkable to think that he’s managed to outlast far more talented backs over the course of his career — in terms of overall years with the Patriots, he’s now one of the most senior members of the New England roster. Given Bill Belichick’s fondness for special teamers who can also serve as complementary players on either side of the ball, there's no reason to think Bolden won’t be the 53rd man on the roster again this year.

52. Brandon King: A hybrid linebacker/safety type who has become one of New England’s most important special teamers, he’s set with a spot at the back end of the roster. (This is nothing but an idle thought, mind you. But if Jordan Richards is put in the same spot he was last year and struggles, why not turn to someone like King?)

51. Cyrus Jones: I have spoken with multiple people who knew Jones when he was at Alabama — when he was a world-class punt returner — and they have all said that sort of talent just doesn’t disappear into thin air. It’s a matter of confidence. If Jones gets a few good practices under his belt in the early going and displays some fight when it comes to working as a corner and punt returner, it’s a step in the right direction. Regardless of how he starts, he’s entering a key stretch of his career this summer.

50. Vincent Valentine: A key year looms for the likable big fella out of Nebraska. While he was on the shelf last season, the New England defensive line underwent a serious personnel change. Right now, he’s probably a backup to Malcom Brown at one of the two defensive tackle spots, but he might be pushed by Keionta Davis. Regardless, even though he has a year in the system, given the depth the Patriots have up front, he can’t put it on automatic pilot this summer.

49. Eric Lee: Bumped down the depth chart this offseason with the arrival of Adrian Clayborn and return of Derek Rivers, it’s going to be a challenge for him to get the sort of significant snaps he did at one point in 2017. But the smart defensive end did as well as could be expected with the opportunities he was given last year, which bodes well for his future.



48. Adam Butler: A part of New England’s sub-packages last year, he was quick as a pass rusher but occasionally got knocked off his spot against the run. He has an edge on potential competition because he does have some versatility, is a bit of an interior third-down specialist, and like Lee, he has a year in the system. All in all, it should be enough to allow him to stick around.

47. Stephen Gostkowski: No competition for the veteran kicker means it’s likely he’s around for another season. I know there are people out there who aren’t fans, but he remains one of the more consistent kickers in the league in many categories. At the same time, the extra-point issues he’s had as of late continue to nag at his most ardent supporters.

46. Marquis Flowers: Good situational linebacker who saw his role expand over the course of last season. He’s not going to be a Pro Bowler any time soon — and you’ve got to make sure you use him properly in big-game situations — but the most vocal Lakers’ fan in the New England locker room should benefit from having a full offseason in the system. It’s going to be interesting to see how he and Elandon Roberts hold off the likes of Ja’Whaun Bentley and Christian Sam this summer.