The Top 10 Most Underrated Patriots of the Last Decade
When you think of the New England Patriots over the past decade, names like Tom Brady, Rob Gronkowski, and Julian Edelman immediately come to mind. And rightfully so — they were game-changers who helped define a dynasty. But behind the headlines and Super Bowl rings were the unsung heroes — the glue guys, the quiet assassins, the players who didn’t make SportsCenter every week but were absolutely vital to the Patriots’ sustained success.
Let’s give credit where it’s long overdue. Here are the Top 10 Most Underrated Patriots of the Last Decade.
1. Duron Harmon – “The Closer”
Nicknamed “The Closer” for his knack of intercepting late-game passes, Harmon was never the flashy starter, but always delivered in crunch time. A true ball hawk in the secondary, Harmon’s situational awareness and clutch gene were crucial in sealing wins — especially in tight playoff games.
2. Marcus Cannon – The Quiet Protector
Tasked with keeping Tom Brady upright, Cannon was a mountain of consistency at right tackle. While the O-line rarely gets love, Cannon’s blend of size, footwork, and toughness gave Brady the pocket comfort he needed for years. Overcame injuries and illness to become a rock on the offensive front.
3. Kyle Van Noy – The Do-It-All Defender
Originally overlooked in Detroit, Van Noy found his football identity in New England. He rushed the passer, dropped into coverage, stopped the run, and occasionally played spy. A true Swiss Army knife who was instrumental in the Patriots’ 2018 Super Bowl run.
4. James White – Mr. Reliable
Yes, he got attention after the Super Bowl LI comeback, but somehow James White was still underrated. The guy was a machine on third down, clutch in the red zone, and the best receiving back Brady ever had. His quiet demeanor belied his on-field brilliance.
5. Trey Flowers – The Pressure Specialist
Flowers wasn’t the flashiest edge rusher, but he consistently generated pressure when it mattered most. Smart, technically sound, and versatile, he was a constant presence in the trenches and a key part of two Super Bowl-winning defenses.
6. Jonathan Jones – The Slot Stopper
Playing nickel corner is one of the NFL’s toughest jobs, but Jones has done it with elite speed, technique, and toughness. His ability to shut down shifty receivers and contribute on special teams made him one of the Patriots’ most valuable (and least talked-about) assets.
7. David Andrews – The Heart of the Line
Undrafted. Undersized. Undeniably vital. Andrews rose from long shot to captain, anchoring the offensive line with intelligence, leadership, and grit. He embodies the Patriot way and has been one of the most dependable centers in the league.
8. Lawrence Guy – The Unsung Wall
You won’t find Lawrence Guy’s name on highlight reels, but every D-line coach in the NFL knows his value. A gap-eater and run-stopper who handled dirty work with a smile, he was the kind of dependable interior presence that allowed everyone else to shine.
9. Danny Shelton – The Space Eater
Often overlooked in the box score, Shelton brought needed size and toughness to the Patriots’ interior defense during his stint. He may not have racked up sacks, but his ability to occupy blockers and clog lanes helped others make plays.
10. Brandon Bolden – Special Teams Ace and Locker Room Leader
Bolden’s stats may not leap off the page, but his impact on special teams and in the locker room was massive. A consummate pro, he was the kind of versatile, selfless player Bill Belichick has built entire eras on.
Honorable Mentions:
- Malcolm Brown – Steady DT presence.
- Patrick Chung – Re-emerged in the 2010s as a hybrid safety/linebacker.
- Rex Burkhead – Always found a way to make a big play.
Final Thoughts
Dynasties aren’t built on superstars alone. They’re built on the backs of selfless, often overlooked players who do their job every single Sunday. The Patriots have been the poster team for this ethos — and these 10 players epitomize that spirit.
So here’s to the grinders, the quiet killers, the underrated Patriots of the past decade. Without them, there is no dynasty.