Evaluating the Patriots 2024 roster after the bye week

The Patriots quarterback room has been stable this season. After Jacoby Brissett started the first few weeks, the reins were handed to rookie Drake Maye, the third overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Maye has had his rookie moments, but he’s also shown flashes of greatness and confidence that suggest he can be the future of the franchise.

Although the offense hasn’t been perfect, the quarterback position hasn’t been a major weakness. The venue shows promise for the future and deserves to be commended for its overall performance.

The running back group has been inconsistent. While the rushing attack hasn’t been great, it hasn’t been reliable enough to support the offense either. Rhamondre Stevenson has had periods where his vision has been questionable, and Antonio Gibson has not been used to his full potential.

Some struggles can be attributed to the offensive line, but that group’s inability to establish a consistent run has been a major reason why the Patriots have failed to find an offensive rhythm.

Even though this group has improved from previous seasons, it is still a work in progress. Kendrick Bourne, Demario Douglas and Kayshon Boutte have developed growing chemistry with Drake Maye, but the unit still lacks a true No. 1 threat to make life easier for the rookie quarterback.

Maye elevated the receivers more than they elevated him, and while there is potential, the Patriots need to add a more consistent, game-changing option to round out this group.

The tight end has been one of the most cohesive and productive units on the team. Hunter Henry is poised to have one of the best statistical seasons of his career, and Austin Hooper has proven to be a reliable complement.

While this grade is relative to the rest of the roster, the tight ends have shown stability and reliable production, making them one of the strengths of this season.

The offensive line has been one of the worst-performing units in the NFL, plagued by penalties, poor execution and a lack of talent. Scott Peters and Eliot Wolf filled the holes with practice pickups, but the line failed to provide consistent protection or open running lanes.

Drake Maye’s poise and mobility have masked some of the line’s deficiencies, but this group needs a complete overhaul to align with the future of the offense.

The defensive line has regressed this season, struggling to stop the run and generate pressure without blitzing. While Christian Barmore has dealt with health issues, players like Deatrich Wise, Keion White, Jeremiah Pharms and Davon Godchaux have shown flashes but lacked consistency.

First-year defensive line coach Jerry Montgomery and rookie defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington face challenges with a unit that needs both coaching adjustments and personnel upgrades.

The Edge Rushers were another disappointing group. The loss of Matthew Judon and Josh Uche left the Patriots without reliable rushing options. Keion White, who was forced to play inside due to other defensive struggles, was unable to fully realize his potential on the boundary.

The team’s inability to generate consistent pressure exposed other defensive weaknesses, making Edge Rusher a clear area of ​​need heading into the offseason.

The linebackers have been one of the most stable units on the defense, even after losing Ja’Whaun Bentley to injury. Jahlani Tavai, Christian Ellis and Sione Takitaki stepped up remarkably, providing solid tackling and versatility.

Although the group is not dominant, they have held up under difficult circumstances and deserve credit for their resilience and adaptability.

Christian Gonzalez has been the shining star of this group, playing at an All-Pro level. However, the cornerback room as a whole has struggled outside of Gonzalez. Jonathan Jones had one of his worst seasons and Marcus Jones was miscast in borderline roles that don’t fit his strengths.

The Patriots need to find a consistent boundary corner opposite Gonzalez and develop depth options to elevate this group to the next level.

The safety group faced significant challenges due to injuries. Jabrill Peppers missed seven games and Kyle Dugger’s performance declined from previous seasons. Players like Dell Pettus, Jaylinn Hawkins and Brenden Schooler stepped up, but the group struggled to find its footing.

The Patriots could benefit from adding a true free safety to allow Peppers and Dugger to play their natural roles closer to the line of scrimmage, maximizing their effectiveness.

Special teams have shown notable improvement this season. Joey Slye has been a reliable upgrade at kicker, Bryce Baringer is one of the best punters in the league, and Joe Cardona has been steady as a long snapper.

Cover players like Marcellas Dial, Brenden Schooler and Dell Pettus played key roles, helping stabilize a unit that was among the worst in the league over the past two years. Now ranked closer to the middle of the pack, the group deserves credit for their progress.