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5 New England Patriots Veterans On the Hot Seat After 2015 NFL Draft

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5 New England Patriots Veterans On the Hot Seat After 2015 NFL Draft

Super Bowl Parade
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots entered the offseason on a high after defeating the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. Bill Belichick and company put together a solid draft class led by DT Malcom Brown and they hope to carry that momentum into training camp and the 2015 season. With an infusion of young talent through the draft and solid acquisitions in free agency, there are a few veterans on this team who could be fighting for their jobs.

5. Michael Hoomanawanui, TE

Michael Hoomanawanui
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

5. Michael Hoomanawanui, TE

Michael Hoomanawanui
Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

With the offseason signing of Scott Chandler and the dominant presence of Rob Gronkowski, it appears as if Michael Hoomanawanui could be facing an uphill battle for his roster spot. Given the Patriots also have Tim Wright, who qualifies as more an offensive threat than Hoomanawanui, his spot as the third tight end could be in serious jeopardy. That does not even consider the possibility of recently signed TE Fred Davis making the roster.

4. Chris Jones, DT

Chris Jones
Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

4. Chris Jones, DT

Chris Jones
Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

Chris Jones was productive last season at defensive tackle, accruing 25 tackles and three sacks as part of the defensive line rotation. With the addition of Malcom Brown, it bumps Jones down on the depth chart and to a bubble spot. Brown should immediately replace Vince Wilfork in the starting lineup along with 2014 first-rounder Domonique Easley, and form a fearsome duo. The Patriots also have Joe Vellano and Sealver Siliga in the mix for snaps.

3. Jonas Gray, RB

Jonas Gray
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

3. Jonas Gray, RB

Jonas Gray
Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports

Jonas Gray had quite the season last year, rising up from the practice squad to having one of the best rushing performances last season. Then came the downward spiral and the benching of Gray, who didn't receive many carries after being in the doghouse. Gray seems to be buried down the depth chart behind LeGarrette Blount, Brandon Bolden and Travaris Cadet.

2. Jake Bequette, DE

Jake Bequette
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

2. Jake Bequette, DE

Jake Bequette
Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports

Jake Bequette has never lived up to expectations for the Patriots since being selected in the third round in 2012. His career in New England has been non-existent for the most part, accumulating a whopping zero career tackles or sacks. In his two seasons in Foxborough, Bequette has managed to only play in eight games due to injuries. With the addition of Trey Flowers in the draft, Bequette seems to be on the outs.

1. Danny Amendola, WR

Danny Amendola
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

1. Danny Amendola, WR

Danny Amendola
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Danny Amendola was supposed to be the ideal replacement for Wes Welker when he departed for the Denver Broncos in 2013. Since then, he has struggled to stay on the field and away from the injury report. To say he has been a disappointment would be an understatement. In his two seasons, he has only racked up 81 catches in two injury-plagued seasons. He has slid down the depth chart to a point where his departure could be imminent.

 

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