While linebackers and defensive backs are fun to watch, it all starts in the trenches with the big boys. While the Patriots linemen played well, they didn’t open big enough holes for the linebackers to apply pressure the quarterback. Whether that was due to poor OLB play is up for debate.

Richard Seymour: A
A return to dominance once again. Although he was snubbed for the Pro Bowl, Seymour commanded that sort of attention this year.

Vince Wilfork: A
I’ll chip in a few dollars if that is what it will take to resign this template of a 3-4 nose tackle.

Ty Warren: B
Was still stout against the run when healthy, but failed to apply as much direct pressure to the quarterback as he had in the past.

Jarvis Green: B
A great situational pass-rusher that can step in on first and second down when needed.

Mike Wright: B
Solid backup for big Vince who routinely creates disruption when he is in the game.

LeKevin Smith: C+
A solid year for Smith, who saw more time than usual due to a rash of injuries during the year.

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Gary Guyton: B+
A coveted undrafted free agent, Guyton proved to be worth it. Although he struggled a bit in coverage, his physical skills are incredible.

Jerod Mayo: A+
When Belichick drafts a linebacker this high, he has a lot of expectations. Mayo lived up to every one of them, winning the DROY.

Tedy Bruschi: B-
Still brings leadership and savvy to the huddle, but might be better suited to be even more of a situational player.

Pierre Woods: C+
Played well in the time that he had, but might not see the field again if the Patriots upgrade the OLB during the offseason.

Mike Vrabel: B-
Not an explosive pass rusher any more, Vrabel was still able to set the edge and make some good plays in run support.

Roosevelt Colvin/Junior Seau: B-
They played pretty dang well from coming directly from surfing, mowing the lawn, and other non-football stuff.

Adalius Thomas: B-
Thomas needs to stay healthy to help out the Pats DB’s by applying pressure to the opposing qb’s. Once he was out, the rush dried up quick.

Vince Redd: C
Filled in okay in spot duty, but looks as if he could develop into a Tully Banta-Cain (Patriots Version) type player down the road.

Shawn Crable: I
Maybe next year.

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After letting Asante Samuel head to greener pastures during the offseason, the Patriots put faith in Ellis Hobbs and some rookies/vets. The Patriots generated very little pass rush in 2008, and the corners performed accordingly, poorly, and even worse on 3rd down.

Ellis Hobbs: B+
His return skills bumped him up from a B. Unless he grows five inches or adds the same to his vertical, Ellis will never be an all-pro corner. Fade routes and jump balls continue to plague him, even when he covers the route well.

Terrence Wheatley: C+
Showed flashes of brilliance as proof of why the Patriots drafted him in the 2nd round, but also showed why many others passed on him by injuring his wrist once again.

Jonathan Wilhite: B
The less heralded Wilhite showed his talent in 2008 by picking up the system and being caught out of position too often. Had some nice deflections, and I think he will develop into a good nickel back in the future.

Deltha O’Neal: C+
He didn’t suck all the time, and actually secured the victory against Kansas City with some outstanding goal line defense.

Mike Richardson: C
Solid depth and special teams contributor, but I wouldn’t want to see him starting on the corner.

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We’ll begin our look at the Patriots defense with the guys that are the last line of defense, the safeties:

Brandon Meriweather: A
The Patriots first round pick in 2007 really matured this year, showing off his blitzing skills while growing in his coverage skills.

James Sanders: B
Wasn’t a playmaker in 2008, but also didn’t make too many big mistakes. Will be missed if he isn’t resigned.

Rodney Harrison: I
While his season was cut short with another injury, we’re hoping that Harrison can come back next year and play the LB/S hybrid position that he helped create.

Antwain Spann: C-
Lewis Sanders: C-
Spann and Sanders stepped in when necessary and didn’t sink the ship. A draft pick in 2009 should allow both of these players to find employment elsewhere.

Tank Williams: I
If Rodney can’t or won’t play in 2009, Tank can fill the hybrid role pretty effectively.

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Concluding our look at the offense, we take a gander at the big uglies:

Matt Light: A-
Nobody is better at getting out in front of WR screens than Light. He did fine in pass pro this year as well.

Logan Mankins: B
He just didn’t seem as dominant at the point of attack this year as he did last, and whiffed on open field blocks a few times. Still a great guard to have.

Dan Koppen: B-
Struggled in his blocking duties compared to the last two years, but still continues to make solid line calls.

Stephen Neal: C+
The oft-injured and aging former wrestler had spurts of good play, but overall has become an average starter.

Nick Kaczur: C+
Can stick with average d-linemen, but those with elite speed or strength turn him into crossing guard.

Mark Levoir: B
Levoir looks to be the “swing tackle” for the next couple of years, as he has proved to be a solid backup at either position.

Billy Yates: J+
My mom said, if you can’t say anything nice…

Ryan O’Callahan, Dan Connoly: I
We’ll see when they are healthy.

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