The New England Patriots league dominance has now been going on for the better part of two decades, a historical stretch to say the least. Furthermore, the only three constants over that stretch of time have been quarterback Tom Brady, head coach Bill Belichick, and owner Robert Kraft. Despite the frequency at which New England has turned over their roster, the Patriots success has stayed the same. This begs the question, if one could assemble a team of the best Patriots players from the past 20 years, who would you possibly choose? Luckily, New England’s team website has this same question and is putting their All-Dynasty roster to a fan vote. Below I have compiled my Patriots All-Dynasty team starters, chosen based on personal favorites as well as talent. You can cast your own All-Dynasty team votes here.
New England Patriots Dynasty Team
All-Dynasty Offense
Quarterback #12, Tom Brady: New England’s six (soon to be seven?) time Super Bowl champion.
Running Back #28, James White: “Sweet Feet” White arguably should have been the Super Bowl LI MVP after playing a major role in erasing a 28-3 Patriots deficit. White caught 14 passes for 110 yards and a touchdown, setting a Super Bowl record. Additionally, White rushed for two more touchdowns, one being the overtime game-winner.
Tight End #87, Rob Gronkowski: Gronk. Enough said.
Left Tackle #72, Matt Light: Light spent his entire 11-year career anchoring the left side of New England’s offensive line during their first three Super Bowl victories.
Left Guard #70, Logan Mankins: The seven-time Pro Bowler was arguably the best offensive linemen in New England since John “Hog” Hannah. Mankins had rare talent, unmatched toughness, and strong leadership ability. It is a national tragedy that he never shared in the experience of raising a Super Bowl trophy.
Center #60, David Andrews: Andrews was an undrafted free agent in 2015. Since that time, he has been on two Super Bowl-winning rosters while transforming into one of the league’s best overall centers. Also, he may be the best duck boat partier the New England fanbase has ever seen.
Right Guard #69, Shaq Mason: Not only is Mason a two-time Super Bowl champion, but he has anchored the Patriots interior offensive line all while wearing number 69.
Right Tackle #76, Sebastian Vollmer: This 6’8″ mountain spent all seven of his playing years with New England and was one of the most athletic tackles I have ever seen.
Slot Receiver #83, Wes Welker: People often forget the pure dominance of Welker while he was catching passes from Brady. Of Welker’s six seasons spent in New England, he went on a run of making five straight Pro Bowls from 2008-2012.
Wide Receiver #81, Randy Moss: Moss was undoubtedly the most naturally talented receiver New England ever had over their 20-year dynasty run. Patriots fans will never forget Moss’ famed 2010 one-handed touchdown catch over All-Pro New York Jets cornerback, Darrelle Revis.
Wide Receiver #11, Julian Edelman: This three-time Super Bowl Champion is one of the toughest, grittiest, and most clutch receivers in NFL history. Edelman currently holds the second-most receptions in postseason history behind only Jerry Rice. In addition to his skill, Edelman sets the tone during every game he plays in, the man simply has never seen a hit he did not want to absorb.
All-Dynasty Defense
Cornerback #24, Ty Law: During Law’s ten years with New England, he won three Super Bowls and was an absolute lockdown cover corner. Perhaps the Hall of Famer’s most memorable play came when he returned an interception for a touchdown during Super Bowl XXXVI.
Cornerback #24, Stephon Gilmore: While Gilmore is currently on his third season with the Patriots, he has quickly established himself as the most dominant corner in the game. After a Pro Bowl-caliber season a year ago along with a Super Bowl interception, Gilmore looks to be on his way towards another Pro Bowl this season.
Safety #32, Devin McCourty: McCourty is another three-time Super Bowl trophy winner as well as a Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award nominee. The safety was drafted in 2010, making him just the second defensive back Belichick has ever drafted in the first round. McCourty has anchored the back end of New England’s defense for the past decade while being an outstanding team leader and community member.
Safety #37, Rodney Harrison: An old school, 220-pound safety who played the game with a form of pure vengeance. While Harrison only played the back half of his career in New England, he was on two Super Bowl-winning rosters and became a Patriots legend through his play as well as leadership style.
Linebacker #54, Dont’a Hightower: Belichick dubbed the old school thumper, “Mr. February” for his outstanding ability to show up in big games. Inside linebackers who weigh 260 pounds in today’s pass-happy NFL are a rarity who often go underappreciated throughout the league. Hightower’s size and downhill attacking style of play is beautiful to see in an era mostly made up of 220-pound coverage linebackers.
Linebacker #51, Jerod Mayo: The 2008 10th overall pick made an immediate impact as he won the league’s Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. The two time Pro Bowler had special physical ability, but amazingly, his football mind superseded his physical gifts. While Mayo’s eight-year playing career was unfortunately cut short by injuries, he is currently on New England’s staff as an inside linebackers coach.
Linebacker #54, Tedy Bruschi: My love for Bruschi is along the same level as my love for Brady and I am sure other Patriots fans feel the same. Bruschi spent his 13-year career with New England while winning three Super Bowls as well as the 2005 Comeback Player of the Year Award. Bruschi’s character, smarts, and talent were unforgettable and he is the reason so many young Patriots fans wanted to wear number 54 during Pop Warner.
Defensive End #95, Chandler Jones: The Syracuse product was one of the best pure pass rushers of New England’s double decade dynasty run. It is a shame Jones was traded due to a contract disagreement as he has tallied no fewer than 11 sacks per season since 2015.
Defensive Tackle #93, Richard Seymour: In 2001, the Patriots selected Seymour with the sixth overall pick, making him the highest draft pick of the Belichick era. The defensive tackle spent eight seasons in New England while going on a tear of five straight Pro Bowl selections from 2002 – 2006.
Defensive Tackle #75, Vince Wilfork: Besides Brady, Wilfork was arguably the second most influential player throughout New England’s past 20 years. The two-time Super Bowl winner and five-time Pro Bowler was the rock along Belichick’s defensive line for 11 seasons. Since Wilfork moved on from the team in 2015, the Patriots have come nowhere close to replacing him and their defense has not quite been the same.
Defensive End #55, Willie McGinest: While McGinest was drafted by Bill Parcells in 1994, he spent the final six seasons of his Patriots career playing under Belichick. McGinest was freakishly athletic coupled with rare leadership qualities. Make no mistake, Brady was the quarterback of New England’s first three Super Bowl-winning teams, but McGinest was the undisputed leader.
All-Dynasty Special Teams
Kicker #4, Adam Vinatieri: The future Hall of Fame kicker played a significant role in kick-starting New England’s dynasty run. Vinatieri is both one of the most clutch and one of the most durable kickers the NFL has ever seen.
Punter #6, Ryan Allen: Allen was spectacular in Super Bowl LIII as he averaged 43 yards per punt and was crucial in helping the Patriots win the game’s field position battle.
Special Teamer #18, Matthew Slater: While officially listed as a receiver, Slater has found success as a special teams contributor. Over his 12-year career with New England, Slater has currently made seven Pro Bowls as a special teamer. The 34-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down and fans should expect more Pro Bowl appearances from Slater.
