NFL: Each Team’s Biggest 2015 X-Factor

Sep 14, 2014; Minneapolis, MN, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Dominique Easley (74) intercepts a pass in front of Minnesota Vikings guard Brandon Fusco (63) and center John Sullivan (65) in the fourth quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Patriots win 30-7. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

New England Patriots DT Dominique Easley

Malcolm Butler is a fully legitimate choice for the New England Patriots 2015 X-Factor, but his position with the team might be a bit too advanced for that label now that he’s the No. 1 corner after etching his name into NFL lore in February. Instead, I’ve decided to go with 2014 first-round pick Dominique Easley, who would have been a top ten pick in that class if it weren’t for an ACL tear that rendered his rookie year a mere redshirt season.

Easley is just 23 and has a chance to be one of the league’s most disruptive interior pass rushers. Anybody who watched him in college for Florida or saw his preseason performance against the Carolina Panthers understands that he has the first-step and physical tools to be a difference-maker.

The Patriots biggest concerns are in the defensive backfield with the dynamic duo of Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner gone, but don’t underestimate the chances of Chandler Jones, Jamie Collins, Malcom Brown, Dont’a Hightower, Jabaal Sheard, Easley, and the rest of the front seven overcoming the question marks behind them at corner.

Next: The Jets