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5 Questions New England Patriots Must Answer In 2015 Training Camp

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5 Questions New England Patriots Must Answer In 2015 Training Camp

Malcolm Butler New England Patriots
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Despite coming off their fourth Super Bowl title, the New England Patriots have plenty of questions to answer when training camp opens in July. Here are five vital questions that should be answered during training camp.

5. Where’s the Beef At Defensive Tackle?

Malcom Brown New England Patriots
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5. Where’s the Beef At Defensive Tackle?

Malcom Brown New England Patriots
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With Vince Wilfork now playing for the Houston Texans, the Patriots must find a combination that can successfully stuff the run. First-rounder Malcom Brown joins veterans Alan Branch and Sealver Siliga as the team’s top big-bodied tackles. None can replicate the raw power of Wilfork, but should be capable of anchoring against the run. Brown has upside as a penetrator and rusher, and will have every opportunity to win a starting spot.

4. Can Patriots Improve Production At Guard?

New England Patriots guards
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4. Can Patriots Improve Production At Guard?

New England Patriots guards
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Dan Connolly and Ryan Wendell had trouble consistently moving anyone off the ball in 2014. Connolly, who is currently a free agent, was a bit better than Wendell, but is unlikely to return unless rookies Tre’ Jackson and Shaq Mason are unable to impress during training camp. Mason, Jackson and Wendell should battle for the two starting spots, and if they are able to improve upon last season’s performance, the Pats will be a dominant offense.

3. Finding A Capable Replacement For Shane Vereen

James White New England Patriots
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3. Finding A Capable Replacement For Shane Vereen

James White New England Patriots
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The loss of Shane Vereen should not be overlooked as he caught 52 passes in the regular season, then turned it up with 18 receptions in the postseason, including 11 in the Pats’ Super Bowl win. Travaris Cadet, James White and Dion Lewis will compete for the vital role in the offense. White and Cadet are the favorites, however, Lewis showed promise in minicamp. If they all struggle, then the Pats could expand Brandon Bolden's role.

2. Who Gets Call If Tom Brady Misses Time?

Jimmy Garoppolo New England Patriots
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2. Who Gets Call If Tom Brady Misses Time?

Jimmy Garoppolo New England Patriots
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If Tom Brady is to miss time with a suspension for this nonsensical scandal, it will be vital for the Patriots to find a way to keep the team on track until he returns. Jimmy Garoppolo (second year) and veteran Matt Flynn give the Pats two solid options. Garoppolo is unproven, but is very athletic and has familiarity with the scheme. Flynn has performed admirably when called upon, but has a lot to learn in a short period of time.

1. A New Day At Cornerback

Logan Ryan New England Patriots
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1. A New Day At Cornerback

Logan Ryan New England Patriots
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The Patriots parted ways with Darrelle Revis, Brandon Browner, Kyle Arrington and Alfonzo Dennard this offseason. Without Revis, the development of Malcolm Butler and Logan Ryan will be critical to the team’s success. Veterans Bradley Fletcher, Derek Cox, Justin Green and Robert McClain give the Pats plenty of options, but it’s anyone’s guess who will claim the starting roles until the pads are put on during training camp.

Nick Sardina is a writer for RantSports. Like him on Facebook.
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