Dominique Easley

Easley tore his right ACL during training camp and was placed on injured reserve Aug. 4. His knee-injury history dates back to his collegiate career with Florida, and Easley is unlikely to play during the 2017 season.

Assuming no setbacks with his balky knees, the 2014 first-rounder appears poised to see an expanded role this coming season, in the wake of the Patriots' decision to not pick up Vince Wilfork's 2015 contract option. As a rookie, Easley was limited to 10 tackles and a sack in 11 games, but now further removed from the knee issues that preceded him being drafted by New England, Easley has the potential to emerge as a key pass-rusher for the team in his second pro season.

Though the 29th overall in May's draft is bouncing back from a torn ACL -- when healthy, the 6-foot-2, 288-pound defensive tackle -- described by coach Bill Belichick as "a very disruptive player" -- will provide the New England defense with some much-needed interior line depth, with Vince Wilfork (torn Achilles) and Tommy Kelly (knee) bouncing back from injuries.