A player Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald termed "one of the Patriots’ most well-respected veteran leaders" came to the defense Dominique Easley, cut by the Pats earlier this week.
Easley, a defensive end and the former first-round pick from Florida (29th overall in 2014), was slowed by injuries and characterized by CSN Patriots Insider Tom E. Curran and others as not always with the program in terms of his rehab.
The unnamed teammate in Howe's story, however, praised Easley's work ethic:
“I loved Easley, especially his work ethic,” the player said. “I hope he gets a second chance. . . . He’s a great [guy] and teammate in my eyes.”
Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio offered speculation that it might be Rob Gronkowski speaking about Easley, since the two now share the same agent.