Fansided

Every NFL team’s roster, ranked by preseason potential

By Rucker Haringey

SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - DECEMBER 03: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Philadelphia Eagles in action against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 3, 2017 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
31 of 32
Next
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 04: Fletcher Cox #91 of the Philadelphia Eagles puts pressure on quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Eagles defeated the Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Fletcher Cox; Tom Brady
MINNEAPOLIS, MN – FEBRUARY 04: Fletcher Cox #91 of the Philadelphia Eagles puts pressure on quarterback Tom Brady #12 of the New England Patriots during Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Eagles defeated the Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Focus on Sport/Getty Images) *** Local Caption *** Fletcher Cox; Tom Brady /

2. New England Patriots

Bill Belichick and company gave the Eagles a run in Super Bowl LII and there’s no reason to think they won’t be there until the end in 2018. Having Tom Brady at the controls of your offense has a strong effect on a team’s success.

It’s not just Brady that makes this offense tick though. Rob Gronkowski is also a huge factor when he’s healthy. He’s more than just a tight end. He’s one of the most dangerous receivers in the game. Look for Julian Edelman to reestablish himself as a trusted Brady target when he returns from suspension.

New England’s offensive line doesn’t get nearly enough credit for how it plays either. They’ll miss Nate Solder at left tackle, but no one should be shocked if Isaiah Wynn outplays him by the end of the season. He’s more athletic and should, theoretically, be a better run blocker. No matter what, this line is one of the top five groups in the NFL.

There are some valid questions about the Patriots defense, but Belichick’s ability to cover over any cracks has to be accounted for. Signing Adrian Clayborn in free agency and adding Danny Shelton in a trade should turn into strokes of genius for the Patriots front office. The linebackers aren’t anything other than below average, but that’s the least important position in the team’s defensive scheme.

The secondary could turn into one of the best units in the NFL this season too. The McCourty brothers give Belichick some interesting options in the secondary. Stephon Gilmore also has what it takes to be a Pro Bowl player. This is definitely an underrated group.

The Patriots aren’t quite the favorites to win the Super Bowl, but they have more than enough talent to make it happen. Tom Brady and company will fall off one day but don’t bet on it happening this season.