Patriots on the Verge of Shocking NFL Depth Chart This Year!
An NFL writer gave the New England Patriots a high grade after they had a strong first week of free agency.
NFL Writer Awards Patriots High Marks Following First Week Of Free Agency originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here . The New England Patriots had a solid start to the first week of NFL free agency, bringing in key players such as wide receiver Romeo Doubs, guard Alijah Vera-Tucker, safety Kevin Byard and pass rusher Dre'Mont Jones.
New England is looking to bounce back and make it back to the Super Bowl this season, and all four of those players could significantly boost the Patriots’ chances. Pro Football Focus's Gordon McGuinness evaluated every NFL team's performance during the first week of free agency and awarded New England a solid "B+," liking the Vera-Tucker signing a lot. "Injuries have been prohibitive for Vera-Tucker throughout his five-year career, including causing him to miss all of 2025 due to a torn triceps.
But when healthy, Vera-Tucker has been an impact player, especially on the ground, earning at least a 72. 5 PFF run-blocking grade in every season," McGuinness wrote on Monday. "New England can slot Vera-Tucker in at left guard next to Will Campbell and Jared Wilson, and as long as he avoids injury, this feels like outstanding value.
" McGuinness didn’t grade any of the Patriots' signings as below average, but he did evaluate two players, Doubs and Jones, as averaging solid signings. "The Titans traded Jones to the Ravens at the deadline in 2025, and he turned a solid end to the season into a modest deal with the Patriots," McGuinness added. "It's slightly above the contract PFF projected, but not significantly so.