NFL.com Ranks Patriots TE’s 5th Scariest Position Group In NFL

Yesterday NFL.com ranked the 10 most scary position groups in the NFL, and they gave the Patriots’ tight ends number five.

Here is what they had to say:

"The Patriots’ offense could produce fireworks in 2016 with a pair of interchangeable tight ends capable of creating mismatches all over the field. Rob Gronkowski and Martellus Bennett are not only big-bodied pass catchers with remarkable athleticism and hands, but each player is a strong blocker capable of moving defenders off the ball on running plays. With both capable of lining up on the outside as wide receivers in spread formations, the Patriots can toy with opponents, using their “12” personnel package (one running back, two tight ends and two wide receivers) to exploit base or nickel defenses."

I could not agree more on this subject. On paper, this is the best Patriots offense they have had since 2012, possibly even 2007, mostly because of the Gronkowsk-Bennett duo. Gronk by himself is an unstoppable force, and when you pair him with another physical freak, it’s game over.

The units that were ranked ahead of them were the Seahawks safeties, Panthers linebackers, Broncos corners and Cowboys offensive line.

To be completely honest, all of those groups are overrated to me, with the exception of the Cowboys offensive line.

Earl Thomas is a phenomenal safety, but Kam Chancellor is mediocre at best. The same can be said for Carolina’s linebackers, although Thomas Davis certainly is a very good player (better than Chancellor at least). But can you honestly say Keuchly and Davis are definitively better than Hightower and Collins? I don’t think you can. Finally, Denver’s corners are very good, but the second best position group in the league? I’m not too sure about that.

The Rams defensive line ranked ninth is easily the biggest mistake on this list, and I personally think the Raiders pass rushers and the Broncos pass rushers (ranked eighth and sixth) also deserved to be higher.