New England Patriots 2016 Player Grade: Logan Ryan
By Matty Simo
The New England Patriots saw Logan Ryan turn in his most productive season in 2016. So how did he grade out, and why did they let him sign elsewhere?
Being the leading tackler for any NFL team is an accomplishment. Even more so when you play for a team that wins the Super Bowl like the New England Patriots.
However, cornerback Logan Ryan will not be back to help the Patriots defend the Vince Lombardi Trophy in 2017. This despite totaling a career-high 92 tackles last season, his fourth with the team. Ryan was an unrestricted free agent and ended up inking a three-year deal with the Tennessee Titans after New England signed Stephon Gilmore.
Regardless, Ryan still turned in a very good campaign for the Pats in 2016. He teamed with Malcolm Butler to form one of the best cornerback tandems in the league. Along with his team-leading number of tackles, Ryan also had one sack and two interceptions.
In fact, Ryan had more tackles than any other corner in the NFL last year. The downside to that of course is he was picked on a lot and forced to make plays after the receiver he was covering made a catch. Ideally, teams want their linebackers to make the most tackles because it means opposing players do not get too far downfield.
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In the playoffs, Ryan again led New England in tackles with 22, including 16 solo. He also tied for the team lead in interceptions during the postseason with one. So why did the Patriots let him go to the Titans and sign Gilmore instead?
Both players are 26 years old, but Gilmore is quite simply the better player. He is two inches taller than Ryan, was drafted 10th overall in 2012 (Ryan was a third-round pick in 2013) and snagged a career-high five interceptions for the Buffalo Bills a year ago.
All that said, Ryan was a key part of New England’s secondary and won two Super Bowl rings. Tennessee got a good player, and time will tell if he turns into a great one.