Kickstarting our evaluation of the current roster by compiling our season ratings/stats and ranking the players. In the coming days, we'll give you our patented offseason depth chart, and get into our projected plans for the offseason.
A couple of notes on this:
My stats will be different than anywhere else. I just compile/view them differently. For example, a sack is not always a sack for the person who got official credit for the sack. Did someone else really make the play? Was it a gift? Not every touchdown is a touchdown, either. If it's just a straight bust by the opponent, that person should not get the same credit for scoring as someone who made a ridiculous catch or run.
Their current grade/ranking reflects how they played when they were on the field, with very little consideration for injury.
When you look at the final stats/ratings, do not compare scores to other positions— they don't translate. Only compare players within their positional grouping. Why? QBs and offensive linemen factor into a lot more plays, on a plus/minus perspective, than, say, a receiver or cornerback.
Grades are only for players who played over 100 snaps. The criteria used is how the player performed compared to the average NFL player at his position this season only (it is not a projection or comment on a player’s future), and injuries are not taken into account because the information is incomplete. Roles on special teams are not taken into account. Grade chart:A: Elite player (top 10 at position in NFL) B: Good starter (top 20 at position) C: Average starter/reserve. D: Starter/reserve and in danger of being replaced. F: Reserve/should be replaced. Plus: Ascending player this season. Minus: Descending.
Here are the final totals on our player grading by position (players in italics did not qualify due to lack of reps/injury):
Offense
Defense (last two columns are pass rushes, and pressure rate based on their total QB pressures):
2025 FINAL PLAYER RANKINGS
ALL-PRO LEVEL PATRIOTS
1. Drake Maye, QB
Grade: A.
Played terrific football wire to wire as he quickly adapted to Josh McDaniels' system - probably faster than anyone thought possible. His athletic ability kept a lot of plays alive, his deep ball accuracy was off the charts, and he mostly played within himself. An almost unbeatable game for the Patriots was Maye not turning the ball over, and him making 3-5 elite plays a game. Now, was he truly as good as his stats (led league with 72% completions, 113.5 passer rating) showed during the season? Probably not. Some of that was inflated because of a 32nd-ranked offensive schedule - he was probably more like a 67% passer, as evidenced by his 51% completions in the postseason. Given Maye's much-talked-about Super Bowl stinker — some used his performance as proof that Maye was injured (he was not) because he didn't show that inaccuracy during the season — I went back and created a new stat: bad throw percentage. Actually, Pro Football Reference already has that, but I had never done my own. Here is PRF for Maye:
By PFR's numbers, Maye's Super Bowl performance was on par with five other performances this season.
According to my numbers, Maye had a Bad Throw percentage of 7.59% in the regular season, and 13.9% in the postseason. That seems in line with the dramatic jump in defenses he faced, with each one better than the next. In my tabulations, Maye's Super Bowl accuracy was third-worst of the season, behind Denver (half in the snow) and Cincinnati.
In the end, Maye's Super Bowl performance was not an outlier. To me, it's proof of nothing. Just a tough day at the office, against a very good defense, without much help from his teammates, especially in pass protection. It happens to the best of them. Maye and the Patriots were just overmatched.
Needed areas of improvement: his footwork when he's not able to be decisive on first read, which is where most of his accuracy issues pop up; taking care of the football, especially in regard to fumbles; and avoiding pressure/sacks. Maye was responsible for 49.5 QB pressures, and 23.5 sacks this past season. Only Will Campbell (59) was responsible for more. A lot of this is just part of the athletic QB experience, as PFF has Maye fifth in the league in QB pressure percentage (22.2%), in the same company of similar QBs that you would expect. I'd like to see some improvement in this area, with a goal of getting to around Caleb Williams' territory (a very surprising 17.8%).
2. Milton Williams, DT
Grade: A.
Before the season, I said there was little chance Williams would be worthy of the contract the Patriots gave him, at least for a year or two. Boy, was I wrong about that! Williams' final numbers (8.5 sacks, 39 pressures, 9.5 stuffs) weren't gaudy like, say, a Jeffrey Simmons, but they were damn good (he was hurt for a time), and his pressure rate of 9.5% was second-best to K'Lavon Chaisson. Williams' pass rush surprised me. He proved he can play full-time — he often got better at the end of games — and he was not a product of Jalen Carter getting double-teamed. The team knocked it out of the park with this signing.
GOOD STARTERS, IN RANGE OF PRO BOWL-LEVEL
3. Rhamondre Stevenson, RB
Grade: B
Certainly had his struggles with fumbles, but Vrabel's confidence in him was rewarded in the second half of the season, where he was the best player on offense not named Maye. He only allowed 4.5 QB pressure in pass protection, was only responsible for 1.5 stuffed runs (TreVeyon Henderson had 10.5 pressures and 7.5 stuffs), and he rarely made errors. I wouldn't call him descending or ascending, but he's a very good player.
4. Christian Barmore, DT
Grade: B-
His pressure numbers (40.5) were good, even if the sacks failed to come (4.5), but there was a pretty big dropoff from Williams (9 minus plays) to Barmore (23.25 minus plays), especially in the run game. He's a very temperamental player with continued maturity issues, both on and off the field, as he's facing serious assault charges. It might be time for the team to move before something else happens. With Williams playing so much and so well, they should be able to get good production with other players in Barmore's spot.
5. Christian Gonzalez, CB
Grade: B+
Got off to a slow start to the season as Gonzalez seemed to struggle being in more zone coverage than a year ago, and it appeared like Vrabel questioned his fit for much of the season. But once the corner started to buy in more physically, and the team used more man coverage, Gonzalez proved his worth and likely secured his future here, if his reps don't have outlandish contract demands (the Patriots expect some give and take if they do a contract extension early). If he does, the Patriots could make him play out the final year of the deal, and they have the fifth-year option in 2027 to buy some time to get the next guy ready. But a team like the Patriots shouldn't be getting rid of their most talented players.
6. Morgan Moses, RT
Grade: B-
Battled through a lot physically to be, by far, my highest-graded offensive lineman. Even with a shaky Super Bowl, Moses only allowed 29 pressures and 12.5 stuffed runs over 21 games. A great leader, I would like to see him back for one season, but the Patriots have to find the next guy.
7. K'Lavon Chaisson, Edge
Grade: B+
Another great FA find. By the end of the season, he was the team's only reliable pass rusher, and he improved against the run. I've seen some modest contract projections online, but I expect a robust market for him — and he should get it. He was terrific all season, especially after Harold Landry could barely play.
8. Mike Onwenu, RG
Grade: B
By the second half of the season, he found his old Pro Bowl groove and played really well, but there's still something missing here. He's consistently good, but his bad plays seem to be worse than most, and on crucial downs. And his conditioning seems to be an ever-present issue. Will be playing on the final year of his deal. I'd be surprised if the Patriots extended him, but with the line in flux, I would keep him around. Convert some of his $16 million base into a bonus and add some void years. Would I be shocked if he were traded? No.
9. Marcus Jones, SCB
Grade: B
Pound for pound, might be the best player on the Patriots — never mind his great punt return ability. His lack of size gets picked on at times, but he's consistent, tough as nails and a good blitzer off the slot.
GOOD STARTERS
10. Khyiris Tonga, DT
Grade: B
Was one of the better players on the team before his high ankle sprain, and was not the same player after that. Maybe that will help the Patriots retain him, but he would be invaluable if, say, the team moved on from Barmore. He was the team's best player against the run, and one of the few good two-gappers up front.
11. Craig Woodson, SS
Grade: B+
What a postseason run (14 plus plays, 4 minus) for the rookie, when you expected him to be gassed and butting up against the rookie wall. Definitely a building block on the back end, and a future captain.
12. Carlton Davis, CB
Grade: B-
Inconsistent and a penalty waiting to happen for most of the season, he proved to be a bright lights player with a great postseason run as well. The biggest upset was that he didn't miss a minimum of four games due to injury — or any — for the first time in his career. Still, I'm not sure they're going to keep getting his level of play and durability going forward.
13. Stefon Diggs, WR
Grade: B-
Definitely got a little exposed as the season went on by opponents, and with the Patriots not having more dangerous weapons to free him up a little bit. If the Patriots keep Diggs, they need a No. 1 to let him be the 2/3 he truly is. But great leader, tough and terrific hands. I would like to see him back for one more season.
14. Garrett Bradbury, C
Grade: C
One of the biggest surprises this season. Maybe being cast out of Minnesota was a wake-up call for him, maybe he was a better fit for this scheme ... I don't know what it was, but Bradbury went from being one of my biggest weak spots to a rock-solid strength the entire season. Need more nasty and push from this spot, but Bradbury really filled a hole.
15. Kayshon Boutte, WR
Grade: C+
Went from the roster fringe in OTAs to a guy they needed on the outside when it came to Maye's deep ball. Proved to have great hands with the ability to make difficult catches. Still, you wonder how much room there is for him to improve and how much you want to invest in a 3/4 WR. This spot screams for a No. 1.
16. Harold Landry, Edge
Grade: C-
Was one of the team's best players through the Atlanta game, and then he was half the player battling injuries the rest of the way. Can he get back to the former? Then he should stay. If there's any doubt, the team needs to move on and find better. Patriots can't be that impotent at edge for another season.
17. Robert Spillane, MLB
Grade: C
Very good player, especially against the run and as a blitzer, who was slowed by some injuries. Showed more playmaking ability in this scheme, and seems like a natural fit. Good enough for now, but there's a shelf life for a player like Spillane.
18. Jaylinn Hawkins, FS
Grade: C
Turned out to be a very good blitzer and solid against the runs, but he didn't make many plays and got picked on by the better offenses. A free agent, I might be looking for better, but he's not going to hurt you in the short term.
LEAGUE-AVERAGE STARTERS
19. Mack Hollins, WR
Grade: C
Does everything you want on and off the field for a No. 4 receiver in a scheme that asks the WRs to run block a lot. Big catch radius and came up clutch often. Perfect Patriot.
20. Hunter Henry, TE
Grade: C-
If the Patriots keep asking him to block a ton (7.5 pressures, 7.5 stuffs), he's not going to be effective in the pass game, and he's going to be worn down again by the end of the season. He needs to be freed up to be a pass catcher first, but is that even possible next season?
21. Anfernee Jennings, Edge
Grade: C
A guy you think is close to done here but just keeps playing efficient football year after year. Sets a mean edge in the run game, and can provide a little bit in the pass game. He rarely has a poor game. Definition of rock-solid.
22. Cory Durden, DT
Grade: C+
Shocked that ended up tied for the team lead in stuffed runs (14), but he just kept getting better and producing as the season went on. If Barmore isn't here next season, Durden's emergence will be a big reason why.
23. Christian Elliss, LB
Grade: C+
One of the nominees for most improved players, as he went from special teams hero to playmaking linebacker who played at like 85 mph. One of the best blitzers on the team, and found a way to make plays. Limited against the run and in pass coverage.
24. Jack Gibbens, LB
Grade: C-
Figured he only made the roster because he was a former Titan, but he proved his worth when Spillane missed time. A pretty good No. 3 LB but doesn't run well.
25. Will Campbell, LT
Grade: C-
Faded down the stretch due to injury and a big step up in play. Needs to dramatically improve his strength, conditioning and technique if he's going to be a career left tackle. But the 22-year-old deserves another season to prove himself.
26. Jared Wilson, LG
Grade: C-
At best, he was solid this season. At worst, he may not have a position. Should be a center, but is anyone sure he's going to be better there? He's incredibly smart, just wish he was stronger to move people in the run game, and a little meaner. Still, he could develop into a franchise center who wins on smarts and technique. But it's going to take a lot of work.
SOLID BACKUPS/NEED TO LOOK FOR UPGRADES/REDSHIRT YEARS
27. Austin Hooper, TE
Grade: D-
Like Henry, Hooper was also a victim of the Patriots' blocking woes. He's a solid player, but it's past time for the Patriots to get younger, more athletic and better at tight end.
28. TreVeyon Henderson, RB
Grade: D
Mr. Boom or Bust. Averaged a very good 5.1 yards per carry. But take out his four long TD runs, and it dropped to 3.2. Can take it to the house if there's a crease, but won't find additional yards anywhere. Can his vision and cutting ability improve? We shall see. Was also a liability in pass blocking. He's the type of back that feels like he'll only be good behind a great line, and the Patriots are far from that. But let's see how he progresses.
29. Demario Douglas, WR
Grade: D
He's still electric with the ball in his hand, but the trouble is getting it to him. Just seems like a misfit for this scheme, where receivers — especially inside guys — take a beating in the run and pass game. Should be a trade candidate.
30. Kyle Williams, WR
Grade: D-
Didn't have much of a rookie season, but it was a crowded room that remained remarkably healthy. He has flashed some potential, so I'm far from giving up on him. He's got some juice, and the Patriots don't have many of those.
31. Vederian Lowe, OT
Grade: D+
Showed how much positioning coaching and having a playcaller who prioritizes pass protection can make a difference for a developing tackle. He played very well when Campbell was out, and you could argue (along with the next game) that the team might have been better with them in the lineup on the right side. Would not be surprised if someone pays him to be a starter in free agency. He deserves a shot - if the coaching is there.
32. Ben Brown, C/G
Grade: D+
His play over the last two seasons makes him one of the best finds for this front office at both center and guard. Never going to be a top-of-the-line guy, especially moving people in the run game, but he's very solid and good in pass protection. Smart extension as the new Teddy Karras. Gives some comfort as a solid fallback if the Patriots try to upgrade at any of the three interior spots.
33. Leonard Taylor, DT
Grade: D+
Came out of nowhere on the practice squad to be a good rotational player who graded out very well and brought some pass rush.
34. Elijah Ponder, Edge
Grade: D+
As a UDFA, pressure rate ended better than Harold Landry and Anfernee Jennings. Could develop into a potential starter with more development, especially against the run. Sit him behind a mid-level free agent for a year, and he could be ready to start in 2027. Has that potential. Not sure the ceiling is that high.
35. Efton Chism, WR
Grade: D
Played well when he got the opportunity, and he loves sticking his nose in the run game, which endears him to coaches, but top-end speed/quickness is in doubt as far as having a major role going forward.
36. Eric Gregory, DT
Grade: D
Solid player, especially against the run. But didn't really flash all that much.
37. Thayer Munford, OT
Grade: D
Was solid as the sixth OT but a bit inconsistent, which has been the book on him as a young developmental player. A free agent, he would be the fallback should Lowe get a decent offer on the market.
DID NOT QUALIFY
38. Joshua Farmer, DT, Incomplete: Injuries wiped out his season, but he never really popped as expected.
39. Dell Pettus, S, D: Was a dime linebacker and a hard hitter, but not sure he's worthy of development. Will be a fringe player.
40. Marte Mapu, LB, D: Continues to be very hit and miss, and without a true position.
41. Jack Westover, FB, F: Definitely improved over the course of the season, but the Patriots need better.
42. Jahlani Tavai, LB, F: Played a very minor role as the fourth linebacker. Patriots need younger and faster on the depth chart.
43. Charles Woods, CB, F: Seemed to be a little overmatched when he had to sub in for Mr. Injury Timeout, Carlton Davis.
44. Alex Austin, CB, F: Might have been due to injuries, but he took a huge step back from where he was a season ago.
45. Brenden Schooler, S, F: This is just based on defense — although he took a step back on special teams as well — but he had a rough time when called upon.
46. Caeden Wallace, OG, F: Depending on the draft/UDFA, this might be the end of the line for the 2024 third-round pick.
47. Joshua Dobbs, QB, Incomplete: Would like to see a developmental prospect here at some point, but he's a good, solid veteran steward.
48. Terrell Jennings, RB, Incomplete 49. Chad Muma, LB, Incomplete 50. Bradyn Swinson, Edge, Incomplete 51. Antonio Gibson, RB, Incomplete 52. Jeremiah Pharms, DT, Incomplete 53. Miles Battle, CB, Incomplete 54. Caleb Murphy, LB, Incomplete 55. DJ James, CB, Incomplete 56. Kyle Dugger, S, Incomplete 57. D'Ernest Johnson, RBl Incomplete 58. Brenden Jaimes, C, Incomplete 59. Kobee Minor, CB, Incomplete 60. Keion White, DE, Incomplete 61. CJ Dippre, TE, Incomplete
