ESPN Ranks Patriots’ Roster Second-Best In AFC East
The New England Patriots open training camp on Tuesday and practices begin on Wednesday.
Ahead of the team’s first season under head coach Mike Vrabel, ESPN NFL analysts Aaron Schatz, Mike Clay and Seth Walder ranked all 32 rosters in the league, comparing every group’s projected starting lineups.
While the Patriots rank a disappointing 21st overall and ninth in the AFC, they are, perhaps more importantly, placed second among AFC East squads. New England ranks well behind the Buffalo Bills (fourth) but ahead of the Miami Dolphins (24th) and New York Jets (29th).
The Patriots have finished in last place in the division in back-to-back seasons for the first time since the 1999 and 2000 campaigns, and the only time in the last five years that they ended the year better than third was in 2021 when they came in second.
The ESPN insiders analyzed New England’s projected starting lineup and wrote that its biggest strength is expected to be the secondary.
“The Patriots beefed up at cornerback by signing standout Carlton Davis III as a running mate for Christian Gonzalez, a move that supplies New England with one of the league’s top perimeter duos,” Clay wrote. “Marcus Jones has developed into a quality slot corner. Jabrill Peppers has emerged as an elite safety in recent seasons, and he’ll be joined by Kyle Dugger and newcomer Marcus Epps. All three safeties battled injuries last season but have been solid-to-good starters when healthy.”
Where the Patriots might struggle, in the minds of the analysts, is in the wide receiver room.
“The Patriots upgraded their receivers, but questions remain. Stefon Diggs was one of the league’s best receivers in his prime, but he’s 31 years old and recovering from last year’s torn ACL,” Clay wrote. “DeMario Douglas is a solid slot man, but he’s undersized and limited to short-range work. Kendrick Bourne and Mack Hollins are serviceable, but the team still hopes for a breakout from youngsters Kyle Williams, Ja’Lynn Polk, Kayshon Boutte and/or Javon Baker.”