PatsFans.com Article

Patriots Who Will Step Up Big In 2012
By: Steve Balestrieri

The Patriots have not had a real shut-down corner since Asante Samuel. You look at the Jets, and watch the impact that Darrelle Revis has on their defense. Knowing he is back there I feel allows their defense to be even more aggressive....

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MrNathanDrake

I think Hightower is NFL ready.

Denard could be a quality 3rd/4th CB. Giving some much needed depth.

Fanene should do better than Shaun Ellis did in that LE position last year.

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Bring on the 2012 Season

Shockt327

I'll take Ras-I Dowling...if healthy.

Well, I guess I'm cheating cause that's a big if.

BlueThunder

Sergio Brown ............

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brdmaverick

I'm thinking Stevan Ridley will have a breakout season. He was great in flashes but hampered by fumble issues. With an offseason to build confidence and practice in ball protection, I think he will be a key component of the Patriots offense.

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rookBoston

My pick for hero in 2012 is... wait for it... Tavon Wilson. I'm not kidding. BB doesn't spend early picks on players he doesn't feel will contribute. No one is giving him any love, including the media. He'll start before the end of the season, and be a major player in the post-season.

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NewFeep

This would be truly fantastic for the team if this were the case! I hope you are right, sir......

randomk1

Where will Tavon fit in? Gregory has gotten some praise,there's Chung,Arrington,Ihedigbo,Barrett(?)McCourty(?) and whoever else BB likes there.

I think he will be more on STs and fill in for injuries because of his versatility.

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resdubwhite

Ron Brace anyone?

Rob0729

My potential candidates (I excluded rookies):

Shane Vereen - The guy has big play capabilities and can be a threat as a receiver as well as a rusher...... if he lives off his college potential and show last year he was just a victim of no offseason and injuries.

Brandon Deadrick - Does he qualify for this category since he was pretty good down the stretch last year?

Ras-I Dowling - In the very limited sample size we saw, this guy has shutdown potential. Way, way to early to use the word shutdown in regards to him (as they say potential is useless unless it is reached), but he could be a solid CB for the Pats.

Devin McCourty - I expect a rebound year from a sophomore slump.

Brandon Spikes - We saw in the Super Bowl what he has the potential to be. Even when the rest of the defense struggled, he was all over the place making plays. If he can stay on the field, I think he will be at least a two down impact player.

Nate Solder - I think he will make us not even miss Matt Light.