{"id":60989,"date":"2025-07-03T07:00:42","date_gmt":"2025-07-03T11:00:42","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/?p=60989"},"modified":"2025-07-03T10:55:39","modified_gmt":"2025-07-03T14:55:39","slug":"morse-patriots-90-man-roster-positional-analysis-part-3-linebackers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.patsfans.com\/patriots\/blog\/2025\/07\/03\/morse-patriots-90-man-roster-positional-analysis-part-3-linebackers\/","title":{"rendered":"MORSE: Patriots 90 Man Roster Positional Analysis Part 3 – Linebackers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Part 3 of the Positional Breakdown of the Patriots heading into the start of Training camp on July 23rd<\/sup>.<\/p>\n

Linebackers<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Robert Spillane, Christian Elliss, Jahvani Tavai, Jack Gibbens, Monty Rice, Cam Riley, Marte Mapu, Kyle Dugger<\/strong><\/p>\n

Patriots Linebacker Corps Ranked #3 by PFF<\/strong><\/p>\n

In a very surprising ranking, the Patriots Linebacker group was ranked #3 in the league by Pro Football Focus.\u00a0 Only Philadelphia and Los Angelas Rams were ranked ahead of the Pats.\u00a0 As Dalton Wasserman wrote for PFF \u201cNew England\u2019s combination of old and new faces gives the team a potentially formidable<\/strong> linebacker unit.<\/p>\n

Newcomer Robert Spillane<\/strong> ranks third in the NFL with a 91.2 PFF run-defense grade since the start of 2023.\u00a0 I am guilty of underestimating the skill of Robert Spillane.\u00a0 Because he played on the West Coast I knew nothing about him before the Patriots signed him.\u00a0 The 6\u20191\u201d 229-pound backer was an Undrafted Free Agent signed by Mile Vrabel in Tennessee.\u00a0 Entering his 8th<\/sup> season in the league, Spillane is the ultimate self-made man.\u00a0 He has put together two tremendous back-to-back seasons with the Raiders. \u00a0In 2023 he had 1110 snaps played and 140 tackles and a 77.1 grade #27 in the league at his position.\u00a0 He followed that up with 1093 snaps in 2024, with 157 tackles and a 68.4 PFF rating good for #66 amongst linebackers.\u00a0 His overall grade was held down by a poor Coverage grade of 48.8.\u00a0 This is something to watch.\u00a0 \u00a0Spillane is on the small side for an inside linebacker, but this is the way the Pro Game is going.\u00a0 The days of the big Slammer Jammer inside backer are gone, hence Ja\u2019Whuan Bentley is gone.\u00a0 Bentley hasn\u2019t been signed by any team.\u00a0 He and Spillane both came into the league in 2018.<\/p>\n

Christian Elliss<\/strong> earned a solid 72.6 mark in his first expanded opportunity last season.\u00a0 The Raiders made a legitimate run at Elliss in Restricted Free Agency, but the Patriots matched the $2.5 million signing bonus and an average annual salary of $6.75 million. In 2025, he will earn a base salary of $3 million and a signing bonus of $2.5 million, with a total salary cap charge of $4.842 million.\u00a0 Over the course of the season Elliss\u2019 play improved and his play time increased with 5 starts in his 15 games.\u00a0\u00a0 His season concluded with 66 snaps in the Buffalo game.\u00a0 He was also a key performer on Special Teams units.<\/p>\n

\n

\"Dec<\/p>\n

(PHOTO: Dec 17, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots<\/strong><\/a> linebacker Jahlani Tavai (48) makes an interception during the second half against the Kansas City Chiefs at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Jahlani Tavai <\/strong>struggled at times last season but posted an outstanding 86.6 PFF overall grade in 2023.\u00a0 Does he fit the Mike Vrabel mold for a linebacker in his defensive system?\u00a0 I think it\u2019s wise to keep Tavai around for his experience and as a backup should anything happen to Spillane.\u00a0 Tavai is a 6-year veteran.\u00a0 The 6\u20192\u201d 255-pound 28-year-old was a 2nd<\/sup> round selection by Detroit in 2019.<\/p>\n

Ex-Titan\u00a0Jack Gibbens<\/strong> flashed his potential with a 77.9 PFF overall grade over the past two years. \u201cLinebacker-turner-head-coach Mike Vrabel has to like his options at his former position this season\u201d said Wasserman.\u00a0 In 2024, Gibbens was ranked #11 by PFF at Linebacker.\u00a0 Gibbens only played in 8 games due to an ankle injury that required surgery and cost him the remainder of the season.\u00a0 \u201cDr Gibby\u201d the nickname assigned to him from the fans, had an outstanding 83.2 rating in 2024.<\/p>\n

Monty Rice<\/strong> was a draft selection of Mike Vrabel for Tennessee in 2021 Draft.\u00a0 He was selected in the 3rd<\/sup> round #92, a premier draft pick.\u00a0 The former Georgia standout stands just 6\u2019 233-pounds but possesses 4.57 speed.\u00a0 Look for Vrabel to get the best out of Rice.\u00a0 He has flashed during OTAs and Mini Camp.\u00a0 In article by Greg Bedard of Boston Sports Journal, he stated that Rice and UDFA Cam Riley \u201cboth are young and unheralded, but they were very active and in the middle of many plays\u201d.\u00a0 Rice was the backup ILB to Rashaan Evans in Tennessee.\u00a0 Don\u2019t sleep on Rice making the final roster.<\/p>\n

Cam Riley <\/strong>According to NFL Draft Diamonds, \u201cCam Riley is an athletic rotational linebacker who can constrict run lanes with a good motor. Takes on blocks to free up fellow defenders to make plays at the LOS\u201d.\u00a0 The 6\u20194\u201d 228-pound linebacker finished his 5-year college career at Florida State after 4 years at Auburn.\u00a0 He played in 50 games with 11 starts over the 4 years.\u00a0 Interesting statement by Greg Bedard (above) on his play this spring.\u00a0 I don\u2019t expect Riley to make the team, but a spot on the Practice Squad is attainable for Riley, especially if he plays well on Special Teams in camp. \u00a0\u00a0Vrabel has a knack for developing UDFA linebackers.\u00a0 Could he have found another?<\/p>\n

\n

\"Jun<\/p>\n

(PHOTO: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports)<\/span><\/strong><\/div>\n<\/div>\n

Marte Mapu \u00a0<\/strong>It\u2019s put up or shut up time for Mapu, a surprise 3rd<\/sup> round pick in 2023.\u00a0 He was a Bill Belichick pick.\u00a0 Only those people that follow the draft very closely had ever heard of Mapu.\u00a0 No one had him going in the 3rd<\/sup> round.\u00a0 Mapu had a very good Senior Bowl where he worked out at Linebacker rather than the Strong Safety position he played at Sacramento State. The 2022 Big Sky Conference Defensive Player of the Year was a late call up for the game but was recognized as one of the best Linebackers during the week of practice. The Patriots even listed him as a linebacker after the draft.\u00a0 He does not have the coverage skills needed to play Safety.\u00a0 Mapu had a 63.4 rating by PFF with a dismal 49.8 Coverage grade.\u00a0 His overall rank was #88.\u00a0 For the season the 6\u20193\u201d 230-pound linebacker had 46 tackles.\u00a0 Starting the season on IR, he missed the first 4 games then started 9 of the 10 games he played. There is no official speed numbers on Mapu but I did see an 4.59 40 from NFL Draft Buzz.\u00a0 Mapu was not invited to the draft combine and didn\u2019t have a Pro Day because he was recovering from a pectoral injury.<\/p>\n

I have Kyle Dugger<\/strong> listed as a Linebacker.\u00a0 I can see him in the starting lineup at the Big Nickel linebacker spot.\u00a0 Most teams are playing 3 WR sets to start the games.\u00a0 Having someone with the versatility like Dugger in the starting lineup hedges against that kind of a mismatch while having someone on the field with good run stopping ability.\u00a0 Last season was a nightmare for Dugger.\u00a0 It\u2019s well documented that Dugger played hurt all year with a high ankle sprain.\u00a0 It affected him badly as reflected in his poor PFF Rating.\u00a0 \u00a0His overall Defensive rating was 44.3 and his coverage grade was an awful 34.8.\u00a0 I never want to see Dugger playing Free Safety again.\u00a0 He has terrible instincts and often took the wrong angle in coverage.\u00a0 Rather than just criticize him for playing poorly, I will give him the benefit of the doubt because of the injury.\u00a0 I want to see him at linebacker.<\/p>\n

Maye Ceiling \/ Floor Ranked against the 2nd<\/sup> Year QBs<\/strong><\/h3>\n

According to PFF article by John Kosko comparing the Ceiling \/ Floor of all 2nd<\/sup> year QBs, he had his ceiling for Maye as Trevor Lawrence and his Floor as Daniel Jones.\u00a0 This is a disturbing report.\u00a0 Kosko stated \u201cHe notched just 14 big-time throws and 16 turnover-worthy plays, making his rookie season similar to Daniel Jones\u2019 in their PFF grades and efficiency. Maye posted a 64.9 PFF passing grade and Jones logged a 65.1 mark, while Maye averaged 6.7 yards per pass attempt and Jones averaged 6.6\u201d.\u00a0 Kosko did state \u201cThe Patriots, unfortunately, put one of the worst supporting casts around Maye, so his projections moving forward really shouldn\u2019t change based on his performance in 2024\u201d.\u00a0 I find that statement to be contradictory.\u00a0 Maye didn\u2019t have the time to throw because of the porous Offensive Line.\u00a0 They can\u2019t possibly be as bad as they were last year.\u00a0 Kosko also doesn\u2019t take into consideration the upgrade with Josh McDaniels calling the plays as opposed to Alex Van Pelt.\u00a0 Overall, this year\u2019s Patriots coaching staff is much better than last season.\u00a0 \u201cMaye\u2019s athleticism and big arm give him a high-end ceiling like that of Trevor Lawrence, who I think has better play in his future\u201d according to Kosko.\u00a0 Lawrence is the #16 rated QB for 2025, and Maye is #22.\u00a0 Maye\u2019s running ability is superior to Lawrence, and I expect the ceiling for Maye would be a top 10 QB.\u00a0 If his ceiling is Trevor Lawrence, then Maye\u2019s selection would be a huge disappointment.\u00a0 Both players entered the league as starters in the league at age 22 and both played in the ACC.\u00a0 Maye had two seasons as a starter and Lawrence had three.\u00a0 Both QBs have prototypical size and arm strength.\u00a0 After 4 years, Lawrence hasn\u2019t lived up to his potential, while Maye\u2019s improvement in year two is expected to be better, but is unknown.<\/p>\n

2025 NFL Offensive Play-Caller Rankings from PFN<\/strong><\/h3>\n

Pro Football Network released a ranking of all 32 Offensive Coordinator \/ Play Callers in the NFL.\u00a0 This list includes Head Coaches such as Sean McVay and Ben Johnson that will be calling the plays for their respective teams.\u00a0 Unbelievably, Josh McDaniels is ranked 22nd<\/sup> in this rating.\u00a0 His proven play-calling ability makes this low ranking unfair. \u00a0\u00a0He is much better than a 22nd<\/sup> rank.\u00a0 \u00a0<\/strong>Is it the poor state of the Patriots Offensive talent rather than his play calling ability?\u00a0 PFN states \u201cJosh McDaniels returns to New England for his third stint as offensive coordinator. Once again, he\u2019ll be tasked with proving he can build a successful offense without Tom Brady.\u201d\u00a0 There is the rub: can he do it without the GOAT leading the Offense?\u00a0 I believe we will see a better balance between pass and run in the McDaniels Offense.\u00a0 Another aspect will be pre-snap motion and the use of a true Fullback.\u00a0 Drake Maye, entering his second season, is way ahead in his development.\u00a0 I believe we will see Maye making more adjustments at the Line of Scrimmage.\u00a0 Maye is the leader now on Offense and he is mature way beyond his age.<\/p>\n

McDaniels developed rookie Mac Jones and he produced numbers that far exceeded Tom Brady\u2019s in his 1st<\/sup> year as a starter.\u00a0 Remember that Brady had a full year of tutelage under Drew Bledsoe, Jones did not.\u00a0 There are issues with Drake Maye that need to be addressed, and McDaniels, along with Quarterback coach Ashton Grant, need to fix these flaws.\u00a0 I also believe that McDaniels will incorporate more planned QB runs with Maye\u2019s running ability.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Part 3 of the Positional Breakdown of the Patriots heading into the start of Training camp on July 23rd.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":23,"featured_media":60608,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_pfeai_meta_description":"","_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"_jetpack_feature_clip_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"footnotes":"","jetpack_post_was_ever_published":false},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-60989","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-patriots-news"],"yoast_head":"\nMORSE: Patriots 90 Man Roster Positional Analysis Part 3 - Linebackers<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Part 3 of the Positional Breakdown of the Patriots heading into the start of Training camp on July 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My earliest memories of the Patriots were attending as a child with my dad, the off-season practice at Phillips Academy. I was at the Patriots game at Harvard Stadium in 1970 where Bob \u201cHarpo\u201d Gladieux was called out of the stands by the stadium announcer over the PA to play in the game. 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