Counting down the most valuable Patriots — No. 27 to No. 19

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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Today, it's Nos. 27 through 19. We're getting closet to the top of the heap. This group has an interesting cross-section of backups, newcomers and some vets, some of whom will be asked to take on a little more this year because of some offseason departures.

27. Ted Karras: He’s never going to be confused with John Hannah, but his versatility (he can play both guard and center, which makes him a vital part of Dante Scarnecchia’s crew), as well as the fact he’s cost-effective and a terrific locker room presence, means he’ll have a spot in New England for the foreseeable future. It’ll be interesting to see what sort of role he’ll have if the Patriots will be without Joe Thuney to start camp, or if Isaiah Wynn struggles at all at guard.