PatsPropaganda

The most unrecognized form of offseason team building is the development of players currently on the roster. Too often the general mode of thought is that if the team was weak at a position, they must sign a high-priced free agent or use a high-round pick to upgrade it.

But there are players already on the roster that could blossom with healthy offseasons or just the chance to get on the field.

Here are some of those kind of Patriots who will hopefully elevate their play with a good offseason and step into a more significant role next year.

Dominique Easley: Easley showed some flashes in his rookie year but was ultimately shut down and told to get ready for 2015. I still have high hopes for the 2014 first rounder, potentially to surpass Chris Jones as the top interior rusher. Easley surprised me with his ability to play some defensive end  as well against the Colts (see below). He should have all of his excellent burst back in 2015 and I expect he should make a big impact.

Tim Wright: Wright had 26 catches for 259 yards and six touchdowns after being traded for Logan Mankins. Now, with a full offseason in the playbook and a chance to really be integrated into the offense, we could see Wright take off and help the Pats show some more 2011/2012-esque looks with the two tight end offense.

Aaron Dobson: With the emergence of Brandon LaFell, Dobson has become an afterthought for many in Patriots nation, but he does have a unique skillset and some downfield speed that isn’t present on the rest of the roster. The 2013 second rounder is facing somewhat of a make or break year, and dethroning LaFell as the top X-receiver seems like a tall order given LaFell’s superlative physicality, a trait the Patriots coaches love. Still, there could be a third or fourth receiver role for Dobson. His first task, showing a more well-rounded game than Brian Tyms to secure a roster spot.

Zach Moore/Michael Buchanan: The lack of depth at defensive end continues to be a story for the Patriots headed into this offseason. Can Moore or Buchan develop into a legitimate third defensive end who can rotate with Chandler and Ninkovich? That’s a big question. The Pats overcame the midseason loss of Chandler by acquiring Akeem Ayers, but he seems like a possible better fit at linebacker than defensive end. If Moore and/or Buchanan can develop, it will take a major offseason need off the board.

Sealver Siliga: Vince Wilfork is due a $4 million bonus on March 10th and there’s no guarantee the Pats will pick it up. Perhaps Wilfork can be re-structured, but if not, it will be up to Siliga to take over as the top interior space eater for the defense. Siliga showed some brilliant flashes in 2014, but once again struggled with injuries. He needs a healthy and productive year in 2015 to continue to his development and ascension.

James White: Shane Vereen had a redshirt year in 2011 and James White had a similar one in 2014. With Vereen hitting free agency, there’s on guarantee he’ll return. Is White ready to step into the lead receiving back role? That might be a stretch, but it could certainly be there for the taking if Vereen walks.

Malcolm Butler: The Super Bowl hero doesn’t want to just be remembered for one play, so it will be up to him to take significant strides this offseason. What is his ceiling? He can play man defense, but how is his zone awareness? There are still a lot of questions about Butler, but his knack for making plays on the ball is undeniable. Could he unseat Kyle Arrington in the slot? That might be his most direct route to full time status, assuming Revis and Browner return.