By Zach Bloch and Nick Goetz

With the conclusion of the preseason, the New England Patriots are once again projected as the top team in the AFC East, and a favorite to make the AFC Championship this coming January. Throughout the summer, the Patriots made some exciting additions as well as letting some franchise players go. We are going to discuss what we see as the most impactful additions, trades, cuts, and re-signs the team made this offseason.

DEFENSE:

Losing Aquib Talib:

Zach: A-: While Talib was a driving force on the defensive side during the Pats AFC championship run, losing him was not too detrimental to the team. Talib was the highest paid CB on the team, on a one year $5million contract and did not produce the stats or leadership the organization expected out of him. With him being a huge injury risk every season and now coming off a concussion in the AFC championship, the Patriots will be more than okay at CB without him, especially with their new additions.

Nick: B+: Losing Talib is no issue for the Patriots coming into this season, due to their multiple upgrades at the defensive back positions. The Pats brought in more depth during the offseason, losing Talib’s mediocre attitude and tendency for injuries, should not be a problem.

Adding Brandon Browner:

Zach: A-: Browner is a winner, and a legion of boom member. Both of these characteristics make him a perfect fit for Belichick’s defense. Browner, who has had 3 fumble forced and 10 interceptions in only 36 games in the big league, has proven he can be a force on defense. Considering he will be going up against #2 wide receivers alongside Darrelle Revis, his 6’4, and 220 lb figure will be dominant. Browner will be an absolute monster with the Patriots this coming season.

Nick: A: Browner adds a level of physicality to the Patriots secondary, which it had been lacking in recent years. His size, strength, and ability to jam players at the line make him almost like a second linebacker playing in the secondary, and work in well in Belichick’s defense. Bill Belichick should have a great time making use of this size and talent. He is large enough to match up with big receivers and has proven successful when healthy.

Adding Darrelle Revis:

Zach: A: Finally, the Patriots add an absolute stud playmaker on the defensive side of the ball. Revis, who is a veteran but at the prime age of 29, has proven to be a force year in, year out in the NFL. Revis who has been slow in his most recent seasons, still put up 7 interceptions and 3 forced fumbles in 34 games. This guy, as long as he is healthy, is a defensive juggernaut and brings a new kind of talent to a rising Patriots defense.

Nick: A++: When Revis is healthy he shuts down half the field. End of story.

OFFENSE:

Re-signing Julian Edelman:

Zach: B+: The Edelman re-sign is a steal. Owning a player coming off a 100 catch, 1000 yard season for just over $4 Million per year is amazing, especially considering he was only one of four players to complete that challenge. Edelman has showed flashes of stardom and has proven to be Brady’s go-to guy. Plus, his punt returning ability is always an asset.

Nick: B: Edelman is a very reliable target, being Tom Brady’s favorite. He was obtained for a great value considering his productivity on offense and special teams. He’s a prime age talent, that should lift the Patriots in his next four years here.

Signing Brandon Lafell:

Zach: C+: Lafell is consistently average. He shows solid speed as he has averaged almost 15 yards per catch throughout his career. Lafell has little injury risk, is a red-zone threat, and is in his prime age of 28, but for $9 Million, and $6 Million guaranteed it was a decent signing for the Patriots. Brady could use him well though.

Nick: C++: Very mediocre signing and a very mediocre player. His contract is too big for his talent level. Wish the Patriots had invested in a Jackson, Decker, or Sanders this offseason instead.

Trade Logan Mankins (Tampa) For Tim Wright and an undisclosed pick:

Zach: C-: “Mankins is Patriots football”-Tom Brady. As much as I put my heart into trusting Bill Belichick, I do not see what he was thinking here. Mankins is a pro bowler, on a small contract, who truly does exemplify Patriots football. Tim Wright is a solid add and who knows what a draft pick can bring, but even Brady is upset about the trade. Wright, and the offensive line better have a heck of a year to make sense of this nonsense.

Nick: D: Trading away a great player at a position with no depth, for an unproven commodity, does not seem like a great plan to me. However, in a few months I could look very dumb, knowing Belichick knows what he is doing.

Draft/Signing Jimmy Garoppolo:

Zach: C: Small school QBs are scary. Some come in and kill it, and some are just not used to the level of competitiveness that the NFL has to offer. I understand that Belichick is enforcing the Aaron Rodgers effect, having a player be mentored by Brady until Brady’s career ends, but losing the player ever 3 years and with Brady’s end nowhere in sight, these picks are not worth it.

Nick: A: In ten years this kid will be the face of the franchise. He has touch, poise in the pocket, ability to extend plays, and a great deep ball. He was more than worth it as a second round pick, and he out performed many other QBs during the preseason. This guy is starting potential in the NFL. I’m glad to have a backup plan as reliable as Jimmy Garoppolo. #ItalianStallion

Bold Predictions

Zach: With a fragile team, the Patriots will establish dominance once again but will lose in the AFC championship. Players like Gronkowski, Revis, Ridley, and Mayo, will not make it through 16 games this upcoming season.

Nick: Revis will be the undisputed top CB in the NFL in this coming season, leading the Patriots defense to another shot in the Super Bowl.