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Cameron McGrone is Patriots' latest gamble on prospect with medical risk

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. -- One of the most notable things coach Bill Belichick said at the conclusion of the 2021 NFL draft was the New England Patriots are prepared for fifth-round pick Cameron McGrone to miss his rookie season.

McGrone, the linebacker from Michigan who in a best-case scenario could potentially succeed Dont'a Hightower at the heart of the defense, tore his ACL in a Nov. 21 win.

"We're not really sure what the expectation of availability is for him, but we're prepared certainly to not have him available this year," Belichick said.