With The First Pick
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NFL Power Rankings: Post-NFL Draft Edition

By Jon Dove

Feb 6, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick speaks during the Super Bowl LI winning team press conference flanked by the Lombardi Trophy at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 6, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots coach Bill Belichick speaks during the Super Bowl LI winning team press conference flanked by the Lombardi Trophy at the George R. Brown Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after beating the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) celebrates with the Vince Lombardi Trophy after beating the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

1. New England Patriots

Key Additions: Stephon Gilmore, Brandin Cooks, Dwayne Allen, Kony Ealy, Rex Burkhead, Mike Gillislee, Derek Rivers, Antonio Garcia and Deatrich Wise Jr.

Key Losses: Logan Ryan, Martellus Bennett, Chris Long, Jabaal Sheard

The Patriots had a very active offseason that seen them make a few splash additions. Brandin Cooks is going to be a major weapon for Tom Brady as a younger and more explosive version of Julien Edleman.

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I was shocked to see the contract numbers for Stephon Gilmore, but Bill Belichick has a knack for getting the most out of his defensive backs. Kony Ealy will be asked to take on a big role after several disappointing seasons in Carolina.

New England’s pass rush could be a concern heading into the season with both Chris Long and Jabaal Sheard on different rosters.

This draft class doesn’t have a ton of players, but Derek Rivers could make a major impact as a rookie. He could be forced into early action with the Patriots limit upside in the pass-rush department.

Antonio Garcia is great offensive line depth and could develop into an above-average stater.

However, the Patriots stay on top of the power rankings thanks to the presence of Brady and Belichick.

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