Ranking the Pats Additions a Quarter Way Through the Season

Mike Vrabel HC A+

 

Last year was a difficult time to be a Patriots fan, even in Belichick's last couple of years, we still were decent defensively and were disciplined. Last year was nothing short of a joke. We needed to restore order and I think Vrabel and Co have done that. Still discipline and penalty issues but I think that'll straighten out as the season progresses. We're already better in pretty much every metric than this point last season.

 

Josh McDaniels OC - A+

 

Josh is molding Drake Maye into a franchise QB our OL play and receiver corps are much improved. Whatever you think about McDaniels' offenses, he's got this iteration looking like a competent unit that can move the ball down field and score points.

 

Stefon Diggs, WR - B+

 

Probably would have graded much worse only for the breakout game against Carolina. He is still getting to grips with the offense and returning from an injury. I don't believe the offense/receiver group is as bad as some make it out to be but there is help for Stefon with Henry playing well and Boutte seeming to find form.

 

Harold Landry III, LB - A-

 

Landry has been pretty good so far, few complaints from the pass rushing linebacker. Multiple sacks already and was high up the rankings for sacks in multiple weeks he has delivered performance after performance.

 

Robert Spillane, LB - C+

 

I was very frustrated with Spillane's missed tackles in numerous games this season, and thought we should have been seeing more from a veteran. Probably need an upgrade at this position but he has improved since the Pittsburgh game (a game he proved to be one of the better players on defense).

 

Carlton Davis III, CB - C-

 

Davis impressed me early but has been liable to costing the team penalties. Gonzales returning should help but he still needs to get back to his earlier season performances at least. I identified Carlton as a strong CB2 but he hasn't lived up to that expectation consistently enough yet.

 

Morgan Moses, OT - A-

 

I thought our coaching staff didn't do enough to help Drake and the offense after the moves made but Moses has improved immensely and ranks high among offensive linemen. Definitely performed higher than expected.

 

Milton Williams, DT - A+

 

Probably the best pickup. Him and Barmore have been excellent. Milton has been a welcome addition and helped the run defense immensely. Williams is a game changer.

 

Mack Hollins, WR - C+

 

The bare feet guy. Jury is still out but I think he has done alright, not great, but not bad. Definitely okay for your WR3/4 spot. He's chipped in already so it bettered his grade.

 

K'Lavon Chaisson, DE - A-

 

 

Chaisson has been a decent performer on the defense and has contributed to the team well. Helped the run defense on many occasions and has been reliable in pass coverage.

 

Garrett Bradbury, C - B+

 

The Pats haven't had a decent centre since Andrews and while I don't think Bradbury is Andrews, he's certainly an improvement at the position. He's 5th in the league in PFF pass blocking among centers, but 42nd in the run.

 

Jack Gibbens, LB - B-

 

Gibbens looked shaky at times in his pass coverage assignments but his tackling has been pretty solid. Happy enough with his performance thus far but I would like to see him improve also.