Even though the Patriots did a lot of work in reconstructing their roster this offseason, it's understandable to a degree that the team won't receive a lot of love—at least not yet—from national pundits. The rookies have yet to play an NFL down, and Stefon Diggs is being billed as an underwhelming signing due to his age and torn ACL last season.
When it came time for ESPN to project the starting lineups for all 32 teams, the Patriots checked in at 21st in the Worldwide Leader's rankings. Not surprisingly, the wide receiver room was viewed as the roster's weakest spot, with the combination of Diggs coming off his knee injury and DeMario Douglas being viewed as undersized among the question marks.
Given that this roster has to prove on the field that the changes made by Eliot Wolf and Mike Vrabel will produce results, and considering the Patriots' 8-26 record over the last two seasons, those rankings are fair.
But is the team still being a little bit underestimated?
What can the Patriots roster do to charge up the rankings?
First of all, the rookies—mainly Will Campbell, TreVeyon Henderson, and Kyle Williams—have to perform.
Campbell, the Patriots' first-round draft pick, was taken fourth overall to fill a gaping hole at left tackle. He is the centerpiece of a rebuilt offensive line that will likely feature three new starters from last year's unit, which struggled to protect Drake Maye.
Henderson and Williams were explosive playmakers in college, and the Patriots will need them to produce as rookies if they want to make a postseason run. Can Diggs be the 1,000-yard receiver he was before his injury?
Can any of the second-year guys - looking at you, Ja'Lynn Polk - bust out?
Can Kendrick Bourne and Mack Hollins put up solid numbers? There are more questions than answers in the wide receiver room.
There's no doubt the defense will be the Patriots' biggest strength, and if the offensive line can be somewhat serviceable, that's a good start for the offense. The Patriots' roster can improve upon their current 21st-place ranking if things fall into place on the field.