‘Formidable’ Patriots Unit Gets Surprise Ranking From PFF

In the offseason, the Patriots spent heavily to bolster the defense, primarily on the defensive line, where top-ranked free-agent signee Milton Williams was given a $104 million contract and became the third-highest paid interior defensive lineman in the NFL and where pass-rusher Harold Landry joined the mix for $45 million over three years.

There was spending on the back end, too, as Carlton Davis signed on the be the corner opposite Christian Gonzalez for a hefty $54 million over three years, giving him the 13th highest payout annually at cornerback.

Overlooked in all that, though, is what the Patriots did at linebacker–the position that new coach Mike Vrabel manned for the Patriots in his memorable career. The names are not as splashy and, indeed, the linebacker market has been depressed in recent years, but the Patriots gave three years and $33 million to Robert Spillane (Top 10 in linebackers payout) while also  adding former Vrabel favorite Jack Gibbens.

With Christian Elliss returning after a breakout season in 2024, the Patriots linebackers are not just good. According to Pro Football Focus, they’re among the best in the NFL–and the top unit in the AFC.

Patriots Linebackers Have ‘Old and New Faces’

Yes, when the PFF preseason rankings of linebacker units were posted this week, there was little surprise to find that the top of the chart featured the defending-champ Eagles as well as the Lions, who boasted one of 2024’s best defenses before injuries ravaged the roster.

The Patriots, who were disappointing last season at linebacker with struggles from Jahlani Tavai and the since-departed Ja’Whaun Bentley, come in at No. 3 on the list of linebacker units in 2025.

Writes Dalton Wasserman of PFF: “New England’s combination of old and new faces gives the team a potentially formidable linebacker unit. Newcomer Robert Spillane ranks third in the NFL with a 91.2 PFF run-defense grade since the start of 2023. Jahlani Tavai struggled at times last season but posted an outstanding 86.6 PFF overall grade in 2023.

“Christian Elliss earned a solid 72.6 mark in his first expanded opportunity last season. Ex-Titan Jack Gibbens flashed his potential with a 77.9 PFF overall grade over the past two years. Linebacker-turner-head-coach Mike Vrabel has to like his options at his former position this season.”

As for the defensive line itself, the Patriots are much-improved, but still only rank No. 13 because questions remain about the team’s ability to get to the quarterback.