To prepare for training camp, we'll dive into some of the Patriots' newcomers by analyzing game film, projecting their roles on the team, going over strengths and weaknesses, and examining the best and worst-case scenarios, and bottom lines, as they begin their Patriots' careers. Next up: LB Robert Spillane.
Player: Robert Spillane
Age: 29 (30 on Dec. 14)
Drafted height/weight: 6-1¼, 229.
Former team: Raiders
APY: $11 million
OverTheCap 2024 valuation: $9.866 million
Relevant stats from PFF
Games reviewed: 3 - Rams, Bengals, Steelers.
Role on former team: Starting middle linebacker the previous two seasons, in which he didn't miss a game.
Role on Patriots: Well, considering his contract and the fact that the team moved on from Ja'Whaun Bentley (waived with failed physical after pectoral surgery) — who I just realized is still a free agent — Spilane will be a three-down MLB for the Patriots.
Was he worth the money?: This isn't as egregious as Milton Williams, who is just now entering his prime, because Spillane has no upside as he turns 30 during this season, but Spillane is definitely overpaid. He's the 10th highest-paid linebacker in the game, just ahead of players like Dre Greenlaw (Broncos), Foyesade Oluokun (Jaguars), Bobby Okereke (Giants) and Lavonte David (Bucs). I mean, he's a good player but is he top 10 at the position? No, more like in the teens to around 20.
Game film analysis
Rams (highest-graded PFF game)
Bengals (lowest-graded PFF game)
Steelers (2025 opponent)
Strengths: It's clearly evident that Spillane is an extremely smart player who is well prepared for every opponent. He's rarely out of position and he anticipates very well, especially in pass coverage where he has five interceptions over the past two seasons (tied for second most among LBs). His zone drops are very precise, which allows him to get into passing lanes (one against the Bengals resulted in a tipped pass that was intercepted by Nate Hobbs). Spillane generally takes good paths to the ball on the ground and is willing to take on linemen. Tough player. Doesn't come off the field. ... Decent enough speed to blitz, but he's not impactful in that area.
Needs improvement: Not the fastest or most agile linebacker, but he is a slight upgrade over Bentley in those areas. Still, that lack of elite traits, like Bentley, leads to minimal impactful plays. I had a tough time finding good and bad plays - he went many plays without. Not sure how many plus plays I'm going to have for him this season, but he won't have many minus plays either. ... I was surprised that he didn't play with much energy; he doesn't celebrate very much - he's all about his business. However, it could have been a Raiders thing, as that defense probably had the least amount of pre-snap communication that I've ever seen. ... Isn't the most physical player taking on blocks and at times he gets too high in the hole, leading to some overpursuits and less-than-powerful blocks knocking him off his path.
Best-case scenario: With better players in front of him (the Raiders just had Maxx Crosby) and better tutelage from Mike Vrabel and ILBs coach Zak Kuhr, Spillane is freed up to make more plays and to be more impactful. He continues to play every game, be durable and get his hands on multiple passes, leading to team turnovers.
Worst-case scenario: As an undersized linebacker and with a lot of miles the previous two seasons, Spillane endures injury issues. With a thin and largely unimpressive group at linebacker, that's my biggest worry. The Patriots need him on the field all season.
Bottom line: I don't see any reason, outside of bad luck, why Spillane shouldn't be a rock-solid middle linebacker and a slight upgrade over Bentley, who I grew to respect as a player as he seemed to improve every year. I would not say Spillane is a huge upgrade over Bentley, so if you're looking for that, you're going to be underwhelmed. Spillane is a good, solid football player who is smart and tough. He's a good stopgap until the Patriots restock at the position, which they need to do at both spots.
