What the New England Patriots lack on defense, they make up for on offense.
The Patriots don’t have a single defensive player on the NFL Network’s “Top 100” list for 2016, but they have two offensive players — quarterback Tom Brady and tight end Rob Gronkowski — in the top 10.
It’s unclear where exactly Brady and Gronkowski rank in the top 10, as the exact results won’t be announced until July 6. But they’re among a talented group that also includes Carolina Panthers quarterback/reigning NFL MVP Cam Newton, Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, New York Giants wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr., Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown, Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Julio Jones, Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson, Houston Texans defensive end J.J. Watt and Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly.
Patriots wide receiver Julian Edelman cracked the “Top 100” list at No. 87. And the Patriots actually would have one defensive player on the list if not for an offseason trade, as linebacker Chandler Jones, who was dealt to the Arizona Cardinals in March, checked in at No. 48.
The annual “Top 100” list is voted on by the players, so it’s certainly an honor.
Thumbnail photo via David Butler II/USA TODAY Sports Images
