NFL Power Rankings: Patriots Positivity?
The New England Patriots look to bounce back after a 8–9 season and failing to make the playoffs for the second time in three years. It's been an offseason full of roster moves, including adding 12 rookies in the 2023 NFL Draft (their biggest class in a decade). Rookie minicamp is about to begin and it's an exciting time as possibilities around the franchise.
Now that the dust has settled on post-NFL Draft rosters, Sports Illustrated has released new power rankings. Not surprisingly, the Patriots land in the middle of the pack at No. 16.
Why?
Any time you’re Bill Belichick and you’re able to snare a kicker and a punter in the same draft, life is pretty good. But in all seriousness, New England did some work and pulled one of the best value moves of the draft: a trade back to acquire CB Christian Gonzalez that also potentially harmed the Jets’ ability to get a new left tackle.
The Patriots defense gets a major weapon with Gonzalez, who is projected to be a Rookie of the Year candidate and should be ready to start right away. On offense, Bill O'Brien takes over as coordinator as quarterback Mac Jones enters his third season. The Patriots hope the addition of veteran receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster provides a needed boost as Jones' No. 1 target.
New England has a long way to go before competing with the Philadelphia Eagles, who take the No. 1 spot in the rankings after drafting Georgia championship teammates Jalen Carter and Nolan Smith in the first round.
SI says "The Eagles appear to be the best all-around team in the NFL right now."
Oddsmakers don't agree, giving the Kansas City Chiefs the best odds to win Super Bowl LVIII.
Nothing stokes a season more than an Eagles team trying to usurp the champion Chiefs and a Patriots team looking to be relevant again. And the fun is just beginning …
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