Patriots' NFL Top 100 locks (and likely snubs) couldn't be more clear

Despite their on-field success as a team, don't expect the New England Patriots to be heavily represented on the NFL's Top 100 list. Perhaps that's an ode to the early dynasty days when it was very much a "no one is bigger than the team" mentality. Or maybe it has more to do with the fact that Mike Vrabel had to overhaul a talent-depleted roster that desperately needed a facelift.

Either way, the annual summer showcase of unveiling the 100 best players in the league (voted on by current players, by the way) is bound to disappoint Patriots fans.

After all, this team is still rather light on star power even after trading for a three-time Pro Bowl wide receiver. However, that doesn't necessarily mean New England is destined for a letdown this season.

Still, you should only expect to see three names appear over the ensuing weeks.

Just 3 "no-doubt" picks for the reigning AFC champions

Let's be honest: The Patriots aren't exactly overflowing with blue-chip talent. However, they smartly drafted two studs at two of the most valuable and crucial positions in the sport.

Drake Maye certainly didn't look like anything close to top-100 territory as a rookie, but then again, nobody had a chance to succeed under Jerod Mayo and his mismatched coaching staff. Thankfully, though, Robert Kraft bit the bullet, brought in Vrabel and Josh McDaniels, and watched his team's most promising young prospect blossom into a legitimate MVP candidate.

Coming off one of the best second-year leaps in league history, it'll be interesting to see how high Maye manages to go in his Top 100 debut. Can he land inside the top 50 after his breakout campaign?

Or do his fellow players already consider him among the true cream of the crop and place him even higher?

How high Maye lands in 2027 will have a lot to do with how his newest weapon performs in his first year with the Patriots. A.J. Brown ranked 29th a year ago, but there's a good chance he slides after a somewhat quiet season by his lofty standards.

But if the former Philadelphia Eagle lives up to projections, he could force his way back into the top half of the list in 2027, too.

Finally, Christian Gonzalez was the only Patriots player who made the Top 100 in 2025. And although he missed time with injuries in 2026, he proved his worth by putting together a terrific postseason run. Expected to sign a massive contract extension this summer, Gonzalez should finish much higher than a year ago, when he was rated the 84th-best player in the league.

Ultimately, though, the fact that those are the only three locks for the Patriots shows this team still needs to find high-end starters at key positions. Noticeably absent are a game-wrecking edge rusher (Gabe Jacas certainly isn't off to a great start) and an elite offensive tackle (how long until the Will Campbell to guard rumors begin?).

Plus, New England lacks top-end talent at linebacker and tight end—two positions that were well stocked during their glory days.

Milton Williams will have to try again in 2027

From a talent perspective, the Patriots have a few players who merit discussion about landing on the Top 100. Marcus Jones put together a terrific 2026 campaign, but he's not a true shutdown corner, so I wouldn't expect to see his name called.

If there's one candidate who could easily make the 2027 list who won't be on the 2026 version, it's Milton Williams. The team's highest-paid player made an immediate impact after signing a lucrative free-agent deal.

However, injuries forced Williams to miss a decent chunk of time, and without eye-popping stats (he only recorded 3.5 sacks and eight quarterback hits), the former Philadelphia Eagles defensive tackle will be on the outside looking in this year.

Who else could be in the mix for a spot in 2027?

Don't sleep on TreVeyon Henderson. His game-wrecking speed makes him a legitimate touchdown threat whenever he gets into space. If he can improve his vision and tackle-breaking ability in the box, he has the most upside out of any of the team's skill players.

Up front, I'm taking a big risk, but I'm betting on Alijah Vera-Tucker filling the void left behind by Joe Thuney. When healthy, he's looked like a Pro Bowl-caliber guard, and the Patriots clearly expect big things from the former division rival.

If–and it's a big if—Vera-Tucker can stay on the field, he should remind everyone why he was an early first-round pick.

Of course, the Patriots would love it if Will Campbell and Jared Wilson made huge year-two leaps after filling starting roles as rookies. But whether Campbell becomes a quality starting left tackle—let alone a Pro Bowl-caliber player—remains to be seen.

Meanwhile, Wilson is transitioning from left guard to center, the position he played at the University of Georgia. He has a long way to go, but his athleticism gives him a lot of upside in this system. So, if you're asking me for a sleeper for the 2027 list that no one is considering now, it's this kid.

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