Grading the 2017 Patriots: Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski and Shaq Mason lead way for offense

Before an NFL team turns the page on the previous season and moves forward to the next, they put the team and their players under a microscope to see what worked, what didn’t, and what needs to be changed/altered to make progress in 2018.

Obviously, we have no idea what New England’s internal grading system looks like, and we don’t anticipate Bill Belichick opening up his grade book anytime soon. So, we’re left to do our homework with some assistance from people who have knowledge of how the Patriots view things.

So we’ll start our dissection (which is an homage to my mentor, Bob McGinn) with an overview of the team and positions, and then we’ll move onto individual player grades/assessments. Finally, we’ll conclude with our often imitated but never duplicated offseason depth chart coded for performance and contract status, and with a comprehensive analysis of team needs headed into the ’18 offseason.

Next up: Individual grades for offensive players.

Grades are only for players who played snaps on offense. 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 a player’s future), and injuries are not taken into account because the information is incomplete. Role on special teams not taken into account. Grade chart:

A: Elite player.
B: Good starter.
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.

QUARTERBACKS (3)

Tom Brady (98% playing time): Other than the opener against the Chiefs, Brady got off to a largely brilliant start to the season. Had a completion over 70 percent in seven of the nine games after the opener. Had some issues against both the Jets (52.6 percent) and Chargers (68 percent), and then both Brady’s injuries (shoulder, Achilles) and absences in his weaponry started to take a toll and the offense limped down the stretch. Despite that, he was the no-brainer when it came to NFL MVP. Brady always looks to get better in the offseason and wants to be coached, and the only nitpicks would be that he started to hold the ball longer to make some plays and it occasionally got him into trouble; his passer rating vs. the blitz dipped from 128.6 to 85.2 (not having Julian Edelman was huge here). Other than that, there was no slip in his game. His arm strength never declined, even with going from 14 games played in ’17 to 19 in ’18. If you hear anything about his arm tiring, it’s nonsense. Grade: A.

Brian Hoyer (2%): Was signed by the Patriots on Nov. 1 following the trade of Jimmy Garoppolo, which led to Hoyer’s release by the 49ers. Completed 4 of 6 passes in five games with the Patriots. Knows the system from his previous time with the Patriots and with the Texans, and he’s smart and a good leader. Has a tendency to pat the ball in the pocket and can be late with throws, which gets him into trouble. Solid veteran to have around and can win you some games. But the team will be looking for better and younger to bring along. Grade: C-minus.

Jimmy Garoppolo (0%): Completed 69.8 percent of his passes for a 100.2 rating in the preseason. Spent first eight games of the season as Brady’s backup — never played — and then was traded to the 49ers for a second-round pick. Grade: Incomplete.

RUNNING BACKS (6)

Dion Lewis (35%): Had 212 total touches for 1,110 yards and nine touchdowns. Didn’t fumble. His explosion took the backfield to another level once injuries to Mike Gillislee and Rex Burkhead gave him an opening. Was largely a non-factor in the final two playoff games, and he was nowhere close to an every-down player this season. Averaged only 13 touches and 35 percent playing time. Ranked No. 1 in Football Outsiders Defense-adjusted Yards Above Replacement, and second in DVOA. Led PFF in elusive rating (49 missed tackles caused). Grade: B-plus.

James White (33.6%): Seemed like he was less of a factor this season, but his play-time percentage actually ticked up a notch. His yards per reception continued to drop from 10.3 in ’15 to 9.2 in ’16 to 7.7 in ’17. Yards per carry dropped from 4.3 to 4.0. Something just seemed off with him this season. Nothing major, but could have been a lingering injury issue. Grade: B-minus.

Rex Burkhead (17.1%): When he was on the field, he was usually a tremendous asset, especially as a receiver out of the backfield. Had good hands and showed a feel for the Patriots’ route concepts. Also, tough with the ball in his hand. But he was barely on the field (missed six games). Not good enough for $3.5 million. Grade: C-minus.

Mike Gillislee (15%): Had some injury issues in camp, so he got off to an average start to the season and seemed to be a bit of a victim of the offensive line going through some struggles early in ’17. Got hurt again, Lewis got his shot and that was basically all she wrote for the former Bill. Saw his average per rush go from 5.7 to 3.7 in transition to New England. Never seemed to run with much comfort, which comes with reps and time in the scheme. Deserves another chance, but needs to stay on the field to realize his potential. Grade: C-minus.

Brandon Bolden (3.7%): Cut at the end of camp and then re-signed. Only played on special teams and then had 11 carries for 66 yards in the final two games of regular season. A little rusty in the first game, but showed he’s still got it when needed vs. Jets. Grade: D.

James Develin, FB (30%): Continued to be a good blocker in the run game, which led to his first Pro Bowl nod (there were only six fullbacks in the league who played over 200 offensive snaps) but he wasn’t dominating. After catching the first 12 passes thrown his way his first two seasons, he caught 71.4 in ’16 and then 66.9 in ’17 with career-high two drops. Grade: B-minus.

WIDE RECEIVERS (6)

Brandin Cooks (92.8%): Was about as advertised after being acquired for a first-round pick from the Saints. Speed definitely made a difference on the outside (16.5 yards per reception) but he struggled at times against man coverage (career-low 59.1 catch percentage) and was basically just an outside receiver. As the complementary pieces around him disappeared (Gronkowski, Hogan) down the stretch, Cooks showed that he’s a good take-off-the-top guy, but won’t carry an offense. Showed a little more with the ball in his hand than he did in New Orleans, but only broke 10 total tackles (still, a career-high). Patriots hold a fifth-year option with him and it will be interesting to see what happens with his contract going forward. Grade: B-plus.

Chris Hogan (51.9%): After the injury to Edelman, Hogan figured to take on a more prominent role as the best option as full-time slot receiver. Only had one catch in the opener vs. the Chiefs, but got back in a groove with 22 catches over the next four games with five touchdowns. But then he started dealing with various injuries before an October shoulder injury put him on the shelf for most of the rest of the season. Only had 11 catches after Week 5. Overall, caught a career-low 58.1 percent of passes with four drops, and he really struggled at times with his run blocking (seven run stuffs allowed). Grade: B-minus.

Danny Amendola (50%): Had one of the most durable seasons of his career at age 32, and saw his yards per reception increase for third-straight season to 10.8. Went from an afterthought as the No. 4 receiver entering camp to a vital role after injuries to Edelman and Hogan. Saw 111 passes, which was most in his career since 2010. Had 87 receptions and a 78.4 catch rate, which is about what he normally does. Was at his best in the postseason, as he caught over 80 percent of his passes and had two touchdowns in the AFC championship game. Showed no weakness in his game this season. Even his blocking was improved. Grade: B-plus.

Phillip Dorsett (33.2%): Traded for Jacoby Brissett right before the season started. As a result, his acclimation into the offense was very slow. That being said, he slowly but surely developed as the season went along and was an underrated player for the Patriots. Caught 70 percent of the passes thrown his way, and was a terrific and unselfish blocker. Hands were good and showed some ability as a route runner as he got more comfortable with the offense. Definitely an intriguing player moving forward. Grade: C-plus.

Kenny Britt (3.5%): Signed on Dec. 13 and caught two of five passes with the Patriots before being inactive for the postseason. Not enough of a sample size to know what he can do going forward, but obviously his body type is intriguing but he has a lot of questions to answer in terms of work ethic, route running and just being a professional. But at 29, perhaps he's ready to turn a corner. Grade: Incomplete.

Matthew Slater (1.1%): Didn’t have a pass thrown his way. We all know he’s not here for his receiving prowess. Good blocker. Grade: Incomplete.

TIGHT ENDS (4)

Rob Gronkowski (79.3%): First-team All-Pro for good reason. Looked gassed in the two games before the bye week, but dominated down the stretch. Saw a slight dip in his yards per reception and yards after the catch, but his catch rate of 67.5 percent was in line with his career average, so the six drops weren’t a big concern. Didn’t allow one pressure in pass blocking, which was outstanding. Run blocking was good, but his eight run stuffs allowed were fifth-most on the team. Showed no slowdown in his game and was more durable. Bills incident was a black mark, but totally out of character. Grade: A.

Dwayne Allen (41.6%): Acquired in a trade and promptly didn’t connect with Brady on their first six throws, but finished the season catching 10 of 13 and his blocking was largely excellent. Obviously had some issues getting acclimated and into Brady’s circle of trust. Catch rate of 52.6 was a career low. His issues weren’t from a lack of effort. Seemed to earn a lot of respect in the locker room. Grade: C-minus.

Jacob Hollister (7.6%): Undrafted rookie caught just five of 10 passes thrown his way, but he didn’t allow any QB pressures and only gave up one stuffed run. That’s something to build on in this offense. Grade: D-plus.

Martellus Bennett (2.1%): Looked to be just what the offense — and Gronkowski — needed when he was brought in during the bye week. Played sparingly and only had six receptions (on six targets) but it was no coincidence the offense was at his best with his short-area threat in the lineup. Not much blocking with his injury issues. Grade: C-minus.

TACKLES (4)

Nate Solder (97.9%): Closed the season very strong with just 14 pressures (no sacks) and zero run stuffs allowed in the final four games (including postseason). But he had a lot of struggles pass blocking for the balance of the season. His 74 total QB pressures was nearly double any other player, including the three-headed monster at right tackle. Had the three games with the most pressures allowed by any player, and five of the top six. Tough to know how much he was dealing with off the field with his son, but that’s definitely something the team will be factoring in. Phenomenal run-blocking with just 8.5 run stuffs allowed. Grade: B-minus.

Marcus Cannon (42%): Placed on injured reserve Dec. 13 with an ankle injury, but didn’t play the five games previous. Was having an "off" season for him even before the injury issues (he appeared to be dealing with something) with 21 pressures (six sacks) and six run stuffs allowed in just seven games. Hopefully, this was just a blip for Cannon. Grade: B-minus.

Cameron Fleming (32.4%): After a mediocre camp, got off to a rough start with his spot play. But once he took over the starting role (after injuries to Cannon and Waddle) in Week 13, he showed a ton of improvement in all areas, but especially in pass blocking. Had some issues against the best competition (Dolphins, Steelers and Eagles) but showed he’s not a lost cause and should be allowed to compete for a starting job in New England or elsewhere. Grade: C-plus.

LaAdrian Waddle (29.3%): Had a solid training camp but missed time due to injury, and then also had durability issues during the season. Allowed 18.5 pressures in six games where he registered significant playing time. Solid but unspectacular. Probably slightly better than Cannon. Grade: C.

GUARD/CENTER (5)

Shaq Mason (99.8%): Pushed for an All-Pro spot and should have been a serious contender as he very well might have had a better season than Pittsburgh’s David DeCastro. Only allowed 18.5 pressures in the first 15 games, which is amazing. But then he allowed 14.5 in the final four games, including 9.5 in the AFCCG and Super Bowl combined. Mason’s finish was a bit of a concern, but there’s little doubt that he’s an ascending star and bordering on being an elite player. He’s rapidly improved as pass blocker since coming from a run-only college offense, and his run blocking has always been top-notch. Grade: A.

Joe Thuney (99.6%): Had three really rough games (Texans, both Dolphins games) but was excellent in every other appearance as he’s the best balance between pass and run blocking. Will be looking to get a little stronger in the offseason to deal better with the elite interior rushers he had issues with. But Thuney, Mason and Andrews have developed into a near-elite interior. Grade: B-plus.

David Andrews (87%): Allowed 1.5 sacks vs. the Bucs but outside of that, he took a step toward being an elite center. Last year he had issues against bigger defensive tackles but he improved in that area this season. Allowed just 21.5 total pressures and 8.5 run stuffs. Very impressive season. Grade: B-plus.

Ted Karras (13.2%): Had a great training camp and was a shocking cut, but was quickly re-signed. Played in two games and largely played well, but his shotgun snap for a touchdown vs. Miami will be the lingering thought from this season. Grade: C-minus.

Cole Croston (0.7%): Undrafted free agent only appeared in three games. Grade: Incomplete.