One position group could derail the Patriots' 2026 Super Bowl plans

Make no mistake about it: the Patriots have a much better roster today than they did a year ago.

However, even after trading for A.J. Brown, signing the NFL's reigning interception leader, and drafting some high-upside prospects, this team still has holes that could get exposed.

With the regular season about to get underway, I feel quite optimistic about some position groups—and far more pessimistic about a few others.

So, after an eventful offseason that brought in some new faces and said goodbye to some familiar ones, here's how I'd rank each unit from least to most confident.

Ranking the Patriots position groups from most questionable to most solid

5. Sound the alarm bells: DE/OLB

Good thing the Krafts decided to pay Christian Gonzalez, because the Patriots are going to need their corners to carry the load this season, given the anemic state of the edge rusher position.

No disrespect to Dre'Mont Jones, but nobody would describe him as a dominant pass rusher. Ditto for Harold Landry, who still isn't healthy enough to play following offseason surgery.

That leaves raw second-round pick Gabe Jacas and second-year pro Elijah Ponder as the top options opposite Jones—a versatile player who's totaled just 37.5 sacks in 108 career games.

In terms of top-end talent and depth, this group has major question marks that could derail the team's plans for another Super Bowl run.

4. Cause for concern: TE, LB

You could do a lot worse than Hunter Henry as your starting tight end. However, you can't do much worse when it comes to proven commodities behind the team captain.

Third-round pick Eli Raridon should see a ton of action simply because the Patriots have next to nothing at the position. Fellow rookie Tanner Arkin made the team as an undrafted free agent, but can he contribute much in year one?

Cameron Latu is the only other tight end on the roster, and he has as many career catches as you and I combined.

On the other side of the ball, the linebacker group is also perilously thin. Robert Spillane and Christian Ellis are respectable starters who fit the system well. But is anyone excited about Darius Muasau, Erick Hunter, or Namdi Obiazor?

Ultimately, I expect the Patriots to get by in 2026 before spending an early-round pick on Spillane's replacement next spring. But if either he or Ellis goes down, the defense is in serious trouble.

3. Solid but unspectacular: OL, RB

Do I think Will Campbell can become a Pro Bowl left tackle? I still have my doubts.

However, he's bigger, stronger, and more motivated than ever to prove his doubters wrong after a disastrous postseason run. Both Campbell and Jared Wilson should make major strides in their second seasons, especially with the latter moving back to his natural center spot.

Meanwhile, the veteran trio of Alijah Vera-Tucker, Mike Onwenu, and Morgan Moses is rock-solid, though AVT comes with obvious durability concerns.

On paper, the starting unit should be better than the 2025 group. Again, though, their depth behind them is far from great, as the team was forced to sign Greg Van Roten late in the summer just to have a capable backup at guard.

I also put the running backs in this group because of the uncertainty behind Rhamondre Stevenson. While he doesn't get much national love, I think the overlooked veteran is in for a career year that'll remind everyone why the Patriots signed him to a lucrative extension a few years ago.

Unfortunately, though, I'm not nearly as high on TreVeyon Henderson. Blessed with trackstar speed, he's been cursed with tunnel vision, where he doesn't read his blocks well and find the hole effectively. Between his pass-protection issues and durability concerns, I'm nervous that the 2025 second-round pick won't justify his draft status.

The fact that the Patriots had to flip a late-round pick at final cutdowns to find a legitimate third running back also doesn't give me a ton of confidence about what's behind Stevenson.

2. In good hands: DT, S

Let's be clear: Milton Williams and Christian Barmore have to be a dominant duo this season for the Patriots to get to where they want to be.

Both defensive tackles are paid handsomely to wreak havoc along the interior, and with the issues at edge, Williams and Barmore must live up to their high-priced contracts and make life problematic for opposing quarterbacks and running backs.

Although letting Khyris Tonga walk was a bit of a risk, Cory Durden showed a ton of growth last season and has a prime opportunity to prove he belongs in New England for the long term. Second-year pro Joshua Farmer has shown flashes, as has Leonard Taylor III.

On the back end of the defense, I'm excited about the pairing of Kevin Byard III and Craig Woodson. The former brings a ton of experience and leadership, while the latter brings much-needed physicality and untapped upside. I wouldn't be surprised if Woodson earns some Pro Bowl votes this year, especially with a wily veteran playing alongside him.

Meanwhile, Dell Pettus and Jaylen Reed provide solid depth, which makes me feel confident that the secondary is in good hands.

1. All the confidence in the world: QB, WR, CB

Of course, that statement also reflects just how loaded the Patriots are at cornerback.

With Christian Gonzalez officially becoming the highest-paid player at his position in NFL history, Patriot Nation can breathe a collective sigh of relief and look forward to him building his legacy over the ensuing years.

Luckily, the Patriots have complementary pieces in Carlton Davis and star slot corner/return man Marcus Jones. That trio is easily the best in the league, and given the pass rush concerns, that group will have to be lights-out from start to finish.

Ironically, the wide receiver depth chart has shifted from a perennial pain point to a clear area of strength. In fact, you could argue it's the team's most complete position group.

A.J. Brown and Romeo Doubs should put up big numbers as Drake Maye's preferred targets, leaving room for DeMario Douglas, Mack Hollins, Kyle Williams, and Efton Chism III to battle it out for the remaining targets.

I love how the group features players with different skill sets, particularly Williams' blazing speed and big-play potential. As long as Brown stays healthy, this group should be elite.

Finally, how can you not put quarterback in the top tier after watching Tommy DeVito and Behren Morton tear it up this preseason?

I'm only half joking, but the depth behind Drake Maye is more than sufficient.

Speaking of sufficiency, does anyone think the humble signal-caller is satisfied with finishing second in MVP voting and making the Super Bowl in his second season as a starter?

I'm a firm believer that Maye is just scratching the surface of his potential, and Brown's arrival will help unlock a new level of production that could force MVP voters to acknowledge that the best quarterback in the NFL calls New England home—again.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow