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Predicting the Impact of Every New England Patriots 2015 Draft Pick

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Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

Predicting the Impact of Every New England Patriots 2015 Draft Pick

NFL: New England Patriots-OTA
Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots had a good draft and now it is time to think about the potential impact the rookies could have on the team. Training Camp will be a deciding factor on how much playing time the rookies will receive this year. We will look at the potential impact of every Patriots draft pick and how they can contribute.

Malcom Brown, DT

Malcom Brown
John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Malcom Brown, DT

Malcom Brown
John Rieger-USA TODAY Sports

Malcom Brown is expected to come in and start from Day 1 as a defensive tackle alongside Dominique Easley. That could be a solid 1-2 punch in the middle of the defensive line for the defending Super Bowl Champs. The Texas product could produce a solid rookie season with four sacks, while taking up space in the middle of the field and helping shut down opposing rushers.

Jordan Richards, S

Jordan Richards
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Jordan Richards, S

Jordan Richards, S
Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The second-round selection was a surprise as he wasn't expected to go until later in the draft, however, he does have some talent. Richards might not start in the secondary from Day 1 alongside Devin McCourty, but he will definitely see time. He is also expected to be a contributor on special teams while he continues to develop. The Stanford alum is a smart player, so he could pick up the playbook and insert himself as a starter by Week 10.

Geneo Grissom, DE

Geneo Grissom, DE
Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Geneo Grissom, DE

Geneo Grissom, DE
Steven Branscombe-USA TODAY Sports

Geneo Grissom was another surprising pick for the New England Patriots, but his versatility was the deciding factor. He could play linebacker or line up and play defensive end, and New England loves having versatile players. He will see time as a situational edge-rusher and occasional pass-rusher as a rookie. Grissom could surprise many with a few sacks in his rookie season in his role.

Trey Flowers, DE

Trey Flowers, DE
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Trey Flowers, DE

Trey Flowers, DE
Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Trey Flowers will perform in a similar role as Grissom in the essence of being a situational pass-rusher in the defensive line rotation. The athletic defensive end could provide a spark off the bench for the New England team and compile a two- or three-sack season in his rookie year. He could be a surprise player this season for the Patriots.

Tre' Jackson, OG

Tre' Jackson, OG
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Tre' Jackson, OG

Tre' Jackson, OG
Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Getting Tre' Jackson in the fourth round was a steal for this Patriots team, as he was graded as a second-round talent who slipped due to injury concerns. The New England Patriots finally stopped the slide and selected the lineman in the fourth round and likely found a starting lineman. Jackson is a great young talent and will immediately come in and start from Day 1. The Patriots' offensive line needs upgrades and this is a solid pick.

Shaq Mason, OL

Shaq Mason, OL
Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

Shaq Mason, OL

Shaq Mason, OL
Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

Shaq Mason was another big lineman selected by the New England Patriots in the 2015 NFL Draft and provides more depth. Mason was a key contributor on the Georgia Tech offensive line that was the anchor of the the triple option offense. Shaq Mason could fight for a starting job as a rookie, and he could be a key contributor similar to last year's rookie lineman Bryan Stork who was crucial.

Joe Cardona, LS

Joe Cardona, LS
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

Joe Cardona, LS

Joe Cardona, LS
Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots surprised many with the selection of a long-snapper in the fifth round, as Cardona could have been available later in the draft. The Patriots do not have an experienced long-snapper on the current roster so Cardona figures to the starter. The impact of a long-snapper is not very noticeable, but he will play an important role.

Matthew Wells, LB

Matthew Wells, LB
Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

Matthew Wells, LB

Matthew Wells, LB
Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports

Matthew Wells was selected in the sixth round and joins a very crowded linebacking core for the New England Patriots. The Mississippi State product faces an uphill battle at making the 53-man roster but could fight for a special teams role. Wells could be an option for the practice squad if he does not make the opening roster.

A.J. Derby, TE

A.J. Derby, TE
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

A.J. Derby, TE

A.J. Derby, TE
Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports

Derby is another sixth-round selection who provides depth at a crucial position for the New England Patriots. Derby joins the crowded tight end position that includes All-Pro Rob Gronkowski, along with veterans Tim Wright, Scott Chandler, Fred Davis and Michael Hoomanawanui. The chances of Derby making the roster are very slim, and he is another candidate for the practice squad.

Darryl Roberts, CB

Darryl Roberts, CB
Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports

Darryl Roberts, CB

Darryl Roberts, CB
Michael Shroyer-USA TODAY Sports

Darryl Roberts has the best chance to make the 53-man roster out of all the New England Patriots' late-round selections based on the current depth at corner. The Patriots are hurting for cornerbacks and have a group of aging veterans at the position. Roberts is a ball-hawking corner from Marshall who could figure in to get some playing time and could become a solid contributor.

Xzavier Dickson, LB

Xzavier Dickson, LB
Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

Xzavier Dickson, LB

Xzavier Dickson, LB
Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports

Dickson is a smart player who is a product of the Alabama system and was a solid contributor for the Crimson Tide. The seventh-round selection is likely to be cut in training camp as he finds himself at the bottom of the depth chart at linebacker. Dickson could prove his worth and earn his way onto the practice squad with a solid training camp.

Brandon Laass is a writer for RantSports.
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