Ranking the AFC East (Defense) - Despite departures, Patriots still have best overall unit

There has been and will be a lot of talk about how the Patriots stack up with the rest of the AFC East after the departure of Tom Brady. We decided to see exactly where the Patriots stand on offense and defense (since the Patriots don't have a kicker, special teams is kind of moot) heading into the draft. We mixed together opinions from personnel executives and coaches, along with our own data and analysis.

It's a good exercise to see where the Patriots do stand and where they can improve. It becomes pretty glaring where they need upgrades out of this draft.

On Monday, we took a look at the offense — where the Patriots still have the best top-end talent but their lack of depth left them behind the Bills overall — so we'll turn our attention to the defense today.

There's better news for the Patriots. Despite the departures of Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Duron Harmon, the Patriots still own the best defense in the division thanks to a dominating secondary and special teams units (yes, New England doesn't have a kicker but we're going to Rick Gosselin's annual rankings).

And, like the offense, there is an underlying positivity to these numbers in this regard: the Patriots are the best unit while being middling on the edge, and at the second linebacker spot. Both places could be upgraded in this draft, which could boost the Patriots up even more by the end of the season.

Here are the numbers, then we'll offer a comment on each spot:

[table id=435 /]

 

Edge1

Van Noy basically took his top ranking to Miami and the Patriots are relegated to Miami's spot. If the Patriots can add someone at some point — in the draft or, possibly free agent, like Cameron Wake – they could move up a spot or two.

Edge2

Not a great group in this division right now (does anyone have a pass rush?) considering divisional retread Shaq Lawson is the best right now. If Winovich takes a big Year 2 step, the Patriots could easily have the best situation here.

DT1

Really, really good group here and you could make an argument for any of them to be in top spot. Wilkins is a tremendous player and it almost pains me to rank him 3rd.

DT2

Jets really need Williams to take a step and be a dominant inside player. Patriots feel really good about Allen.

Sub rush

Addison is a big x-factor as a free-agent signing and much is expected of him. Anderson isn't really a sub rusher but he's a good player and the Jets don't have another apparent option right now. Butler is good but look for the Patriots to try to upgrade.

LB1

Another really strong class and it was a coin clip between Hightower and Mosley. Went with Hightower because Mosley needs to stay on the field. But he's the most talented player.

LB2

Good group and right now Milano is the best player. Patriots need Bentley to realize his potential.

CB1

Oh baby, what a three-headed monster of Gilmore, White and Jones now in this division. Good luck to the QBs!

CB2

Both the Bills and Dolphins dramatically improved their situations by importing Norman and Jones into their depth charts. Now Howard is a very good No. 2 in Miami and Norman should be the best now that he's back in the scheme that made him a lot of money. Jackson/Jason McCourty are very close.

Slot

Jones is by far the best player but Poole is no slouch in New York.

FS

A very strong group in this division. McCourty better not take a step back because Hyde and Maye are ascending.

SS

It's Jamal Adams' world and we're all living in it. Patriots are slipping at this spot and Phillips could be here sooner rather than later and would be an upgrade.

S/CB4

Solid group. Right now, Phillips gives the Patriots a big advantage but it could minimized if he swaps with Chung. Wallace and Hairston are both good.

Special teams

Patriots need a kicker but even with a circus at the spot last year, they had the best unit overall.