Top 3 most underrated Patriots players of the last ten years
With most of the Patriots' success happening over the last 20+ years, the majority of players recognized for their contributions will come from rosters during that time.
Plenty have gone on to become NFL or Patriots Hall of Famers, with many more waiting their turn, but there are also several who were integral parts of the team's success during their seasons yet go unnoticed when discussing the best of the best.
More often than not, it happens to players not named Tom Brady, Julian Edelman, or Rob Gronkowski, which makes sense in a lot of ways. However, not every roster was made up of players who went on to have legendary careers for the Patriots, and they still deserve to be recognized for what they brought to the team.
Focusing on the last ten years, three players seem to have gone under the radar more than others.
Top 3 most underrated Patriots players of the last ten years
Cordarrelle Patterson (2018)
The Patriots' 2018 team was absolutely loaded with talent, many of which will go down as some of the best of all time. Although Cordarrelle Patterson won't fit that bill, his one season in New England was one to remember for a number of reasons.
In the five years leading up to signing with the Patriots, Patterson had been predominately used as a wide receiver, as that was his given position. He was sparingly used out of the backfield, as well, which piqued Bill Belichick's interest once he joined the offense.
At the time, the receiving corps didn't necessarily need the help Patterson would have added. It might be one reason Belichick used him more on the ground with Rex Burkhead, Sony Michel, and James White. They certainly weren't short of talent there, either, but Patterson's skillset allowed him to be plugged in anywhere needed.
That led to him recording the most rushing yards in his career with 42 carries for 228 yards and a touchdown. He was a solid contributor in the passing game as well, totaling 21 receptions for 247 yards and three touchdowns, but it was clear Belichick preferred him as a running back.
Despite earning Second-Team All-Pro for his performance, Patterson didn't love the unofficial position switch. However, he has since embraced the role and has played running back for the Falcons since joining the team in 2021, so it appears Belichick was (once again) onto something before everyone else.
All that he brought during his one season continues to be underappreciated and often lands him on the most underrated Patriots lists like this one.
From what he did as a receiver, a running back and as a returner, there aren't many players who contributed more to the team's success (especially in one season) than Patterson and he should be remembered f