New England Patriots: Breaking down offseason additions and losses

Defensive Line 

Defensive Line In:

• Kony Ealy
• Lawrence Guy
• Derek Rivers
• Deatrich Wise Jr. 

Defensive Line Out:

• Chris Long
• Jabaal Sheard
• Corey Vereen

Bill Belichick is known for taking troubled players in trades where he sees value. Kony Ealy is the next man to travel this path to New England. If he can show his Superbowl L form on a consistent basis, he will be a big improvement over Long and Sheard.

An under the radar signing Lawrence Guy, has come in with little fanfare. He signed a fairly big contract at 4 years – $20m and will be a player featuring heavily as a versatile interior pass rusher. Long and Sheard never looked like they would be retained for 2017 after average 2016 seasons. Rivers and Wise Jr should be interesting additions and will see some significant playing time in their rookie season.

Verdict: Upgrade

Linebacker 

Linebacker In:

• David Harris

Linebacker Out:

• Barkevious Mingo

Big things were expected of Mingo as a former sixth overall pick. Fans and analysts alike blamed his situation and misuse in Cleveland for his lack of production. After a season with the Patriots it became clear that he was too small to be the pass rusher in the NFL that he was in college.   David Harris was a canny move by Belichick and one that was widely praised. With middle linebacker being a clear need, a distinct lack of depth and Hightower’s injury concerns, the experienced Harris was a no-brainer. Not only do the Patriots get a solid player on the field, they get a leader in the locker-room.

Verdict: Upgrade