Patriots: Ranking positions by strength

Sep 27, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski (87) congratulates wide receiver Josh Boyce (82) after his touchdown run against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the the Jacksonville Jaguars 51-17. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports /

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It’s not rocket science; the best way to approach the offseason is to identify positional shortcomings from the previous year and improve upon them. In the Bill Belichick era, the New England Patriots have succeeded year in and year out by treating the offseason just like any given fall Sunday.

With that in mind, this morning we are ranking the positions of quarterback, running back, wide receiver, tight end, offensive and defensive line, linebacker, cornerback and safety in terms of strength. Criteria include 2015 performance, star power at the position and outlook going forward.

Punter and kicker have been left out (sorry, Ryan Allen and Stephen Gostkowski), and the specific positions on the offensive and defensive line have been grouped together as a unit.

Alright, let’s get to it.

Next: 9. Offensive line

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