Why ESPN Puts Patriots In ‘Most Improved’ Category

Did the New England Patriots become a better football team with the numerous defensive and offensive line additions?

ESPN certainly believes so.

Aaron Schatz and Ben Solak both named the Patriots one of the “most improved teams” after they spent a lot of money in free agency.

“This doesn’t mean they are a good team, but the Patriots had a ton of cap space and spent the money,” Schatz wrote in a report published Thursday. “(Milton) Williams and cornerback Carlton Davis III are the biggest additions, but linebacker Robert Spillane was on my list of underrated free agents, and stop-gap right tackle Morgan Moses at least helps stop the bleeding along the offensive line. They also added former Vikings center Garrett Bradbury to replace the released David Andrews.”

Solak agreed with Schatz’s analysis of the improved Patriots roster but still believes there is work to do in New England.

“They are the most improved team, as the biggest strides in free agency are usually taken by a team looking to go from bad to league-average,” Solak wrote in the report. “By signing Harold Landry III, Williams, Davis, Spillane, Moses and Bradbury, the Patriots added a ton of veteran experience along with some upside. The roster is still a year away from competing, and big needs remain along the offensive line and in the wide receiver room — but it is improved.”

Even though Mike Tannenbaum believes the Chicago Bears are the most improved NFL franchise, he did put the Patriots as the “best overall move” by signing defensive tackle Williams.

“While $26 million per year for Williams is extremely high, it’s rare to get someone so young (26 next month) with outstanding interior pass rush ability,” Tannenbaum wrote. “His production has been modest (11.5 sacks in 67 games), but look for his game to reach the next level in Mike Vrabel’s system with the Patriots. He will become a frontline staple for years to come.”