The Ultimate Patriots Dream Team: Best Players at Each Position

They say that great teams are built on great players, and the New England Patriots are no exception. From their early days as the Boston Patriots to their current dominance in the NFL, the Patriots have built a legacy on the backs of talented athletes who have donned the red, white, and blue over the years.

When it comes to choosing the all-time best players at each position, there's no shortage of talent to pick from. But we wanted to know: who would be on the ultimate Patriots dream team?

Quarterback: Tom Brady

Let's start with the obvious: when it comes to QBs, Tom Brady is the clear choice. With six Super Bowl rings, three NFL MVP awards, and countless other accolades under his belt, Brady is not just the best QB in Patriots history, but one of the best in NFL history.

It's hard to overstate just how dominant Brady has been throughout his career. He holds the record for the most career touchdown passes in NFL history, and is second in career passing yards behind only Drew Brees. Despite being drafted in the sixth round, Brady has become one of the most iconic athletes of his generation, and a true legend of the game.

Running back: Curtis Martin

When it comes to RBs, Curtis Martin is the clear choice for the Patriots' all-time best. While he only played for New England for three seasons, Martin made an immediate impact, rushing for over 1,000 yards in each of his first two seasons and earning a Pro Bowl nod in 1995.

From there, Martin went on to play for the Jets, where he would cement his legacy as one of the most dominant RBs of his time. He retired with over 14,000 rushing yards and 90 total touchdowns, and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2012.

Wide receiver: Randy Moss

For our wide receiver spot, we went with one of the most electrifying players in NFL history: Randy Moss. While Moss only played for the Patriots for three seasons, he made an immediate impact with his speed, hands, and unparalleled ability to haul in deep throws.

During his first season in New England, Moss set an NFL record with 23 touchdown receptions, and would go on to earn three Pro Bowl nods with the team. His ability to stretch the field and make big plays proved invaluable to the Patriots during their championship runs, and he stands as one of the most iconic players in team history.

Tight end: Rob Gronkowski

When it comes to tight ends, few can match the dominance of Rob Gronkowski. Gronk played for the Patriots from 2010 to 2018, racking up over 7,800 receiving yards and 79 touchdowns in that time.

What made Gronkowski so deadly was his combination of size, speed, and hands. At 6'6" and 265 pounds, he was virtually impossible to bring down once he got a head of steam, and his knack for making difficult catches in traffic made him one of the most reliable targets in the league.

Offensive line: John Hannah

For our offensive line pick, we went with one of the most dominant linemen of all time: John Hannah. Hannah played for the Patriots from 1973 to 1985, earning nine Pro Bowl nods and two NFL Offensive Lineman of the Year awards over the course of his career.

What set Hannah apart from other linemen was his tenacity and toughness. He was a punishing blocker who could clear the way for his RBs and protect his QBs with equal skill, and he was known for playing through injuries and never backing down from a challenge.

Defensive line: Richard Seymour

For our defensive line spot, we went with a player who was instrumental in the Patriots' success throughout the early 2000s: Richard Seymour. Seymour played for the Patriots from 2001 to 2008, earning five Pro Bowl nods and three first-team All-Pro selections in that time.

What made Seymour so valuable was his versatility. He could line up at defensive tackle or defensive end with equal skill, and he was equally effective at stuffing the run as he was at rushing the passer. His presence on the Patriots' defensive line helped them win three Super Bowls in four years, and cemented his place as one of the best linemen of his generation.

Linebacker: Tedy Bruschi

For our linebacker spot, we picked one of the most beloved players in Patriots history: Tedy Bruschi. Bruschi played for the Patriots from 1996 to 2008, earning one Pro Bowl nod and three Super Bowl rings in that time.

What made Bruschi so special was his leadership and perseverance. He was a vocal presence in the locker room, and his ability to make big plays in clutch situations helped the Patriots win multiple championships. He also overcame a serious stroke in 2005 to return to the field and continue playing at a high level, earning him widespread admiration and respect from players, coaches, and fans alike.

Cornerback: Ty Law

For our cornerback spot, we went with a player who was a cornerstone of the Patriots' early championship teams: Ty Law. Law played for the Patriots from 1995 to 2004, earning five Pro Bowl nods and two first-team All-Pro selections in that time.

What set Law apart from other cornerbacks was his ability to make big plays. He intercepted 36 passes during his time with the Patriots, including one pick-six in Super Bowl XXXVI that helped secure the team's first-ever championship. He would go on to win two more Super Bowls with the team, cementing his legacy as one of the all-time greats.

Safety: Rodney Harrison

For our last spot, we picked a player who embodied the Patriots' tough, physical style of play: Rodney Harrison. Harrison played for the Patriots from 2003 to 2008, earning two Pro Bowl nods and two Super Bowl rings in that time.

What made Harrison so valuable was his ability to make big plays all over the field. He was known for his bone-jarring hits, but he could also cover receivers and make interceptions with equal skill. His leadership and intensity helped set the tone for the Patriots' championship teams, and his presence on the field was often the difference between a win and a loss.

Conclusion

While there are many great players who have worn the Patriots' uniform over the years, we believe that these 10 players represent the very best of what the team has to offer. From Brady's dominance at QB to Harrison's hard-hitting play at safety, each of these players brought something special to the field, and helped the Patriots achieve the success they enjoy today.