5 New England Patriots Who Are On The Rise

5 New England Patriots Who Are On The Rise

New England Patriots
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The New England Patriots have had an uneven start to the preseason. There has been plenty of poor play from the defending champions, but also some players who have begun to stand out as the preseason progresses. Here are five players who have flashed ability and shown improvement as we close in on the 2015 season.

5. Malcom Brown, DT

Malcom Brown
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5. Malcom Brown, DT

Malcom Brown
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Brown wasn’t a dominating force Saturday night against the New Orleans Saints, but he showed what Patriots fans need to see from the first-round pick. Brown anchored well and didn’t get moved off the ball. He also showed the ability to penetrate and had two tackles, including one when he chased down Saints running back Khiry Robinson on a screen. That type of hustle and motor proved to me that Brown will be a valuable player for the Patriots.

4. James Morris, LB

James Morris
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4. James Morris, LB

James Morris
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Once a huge longshot to make the team when camp began, Morris has performed well and now has a realistic shot at making the 53-man roster. Morris had six tackles and forced a fumble by punching the ball out of Saints receiver Josh Morgan’s hands after a long gain. That type of intelligence and awareness is what the Patriots look for and could make Morris a difficult guy to cut.

3. Rufus Johnson, DE/OLB

Rufus Johnson
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3. Rufus Johnson, DE/OLB

Rufus Johnson
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Johnson sat out Saturday’s game because of a minor injury suffered in the opener against Green Bay. However, Johnson was the Patriots’ best defensive player against the Packers, making several impact plays off the edge. While charting that game, I had Johnson having four quarterback pressures, a sack and a tipped pass. If he can return and perform well this week, Johnson will have a good chance at sticking around.

2. Jimmy Garoppolo, QB

Jimmy Garoppolo
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2. Jimmy Garoppolo, QB

Jimmy Garoppolo
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Garoppolo wasn’t good against the Packers, but against the Saints he showed why the Patriots’ coaching staff is so high on him. After looking shaky during his first two series, Garoppolo really turned it up over his final two quarters, making quick decisions and showing tremendous accuracy in going 28-of-33 for 269 yards and a touchdown. Garoppolo still needs to work on not locking onto his primary target, but he showed tremendous improvement.

1. Chris Harper, WR

Chris Harper
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1. Chris Harper, WR

Chris Harper
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Harper continues to flash ability every time he’s on the field. In two preseason games, Harper has made 12 receptions for 117 yards and a touchdown. He displays the toughness to go over the middle and make catches in traffic. He also has good quickness and the ability to make people miss. To top it off, Harper also is a good returner. His emergence could spell the end for Josh Boyce. I don’t know how the Pats don’t keep Harper around.

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