Between the Super Bowls and controversies, the New England Patriots have remained a popular team in both real life and EA's Madden series. In Madden NFL 23, the team doesn't have a whole lot of elite-level talent, but that doesn't mean it's without stars. Head coach Bill Belichick made a career of putting together a collection of 11 guys to form some of the league's best defensive units.
Units that played a large role in the prolonged playoff success they saw with Tom Brady starting at quarterback. These days, Mac Jones is trying to make his mark as the franchise quarterback of the future, and he happens to be surrounded by a fair share of talented NFL players rated accordingly in Madden NFL 23.
8 DeVante Parker, WR (82)
DeVante Parker is in a weird place right now with the New England Patriots, despite his 82 overall in Madden 23. The team traded for him from the Miami Dolphins in the hopes of providing their young quarterback Mac Jones with an additional receiving threat.
Through the 2022 offseason, multiple reports have stated Parker has struggled in camp and it seems like he may be the third option at wide receiver for the team heading into the season. Either way, those playing as the Patriots in Madden 23 will look toward him considering he's the highest overall on the team at his position.
7 Damien Harris, RB (82)
Damien Harris is an interesting case in terms of the talent he brings to the New England Patriots and his assumed use on the team. For years, the Patriots have implemented a running back committee approach and share touches among several guys.
It's about filling a specific need and many fans are trying to figure out how Harris will be used in 2022. The 82 overall running back has been brought up in possible trade discussions, so it's unclear how much longer he'll be a Patriot in Madden 23.
6 Kyle Dugger, SS (82)
Kyle Dugger is a name most people outside of New England don't recognize, but the safety recently went viral on social media for a play during a pre-season game. Dugger managed to blow up a potential block by an offensive lineman who pulled out to the open field in an attempt to secure a block on an outside run.
The 82 overall Dugger showcased his strength and willingness to take on men twice his size. A Bill Belichick-coached defense relies on tough and smart safeties that can cover the unit's deficiencies and Dugger looks well-armed to continue growing into that pivotal piece for years to come.
5 Trent Brown, LT (84)
By no means is Trent Brown an elite tackle in the NFL, but his sheer size allows him to manhandle defenders and provide protection for anyone running or standing behind him. Brown weighs 380 pounds and stands at 6'8".
The last couple of seasons have seen the 84 overall tackle struggle to stay on the field, but people playing Madden 23 get to start a brand new season with him completely healthy. His presence can go a long way in making sure quarterback Mac Jones stays upright and can continue to develop under head coach Bill Belichik.
4 Hunter Henry, TE (84)
Every team in the NFL is known for a certain trope they're bound to follow, and since the days of Rob Gronkowski and Aaron Hernandez, the New England Patriots employ a stud tight end that plays a key role in their offensive game plan.
Hunter Henry spent years as a member of the then San Diego Chargers establishing himself as a stud tight end before heading to the northeast. An 84 overall may seem a little low, but another year serving as a safety blanket and red zone threat for a young quarterback could reestablish Henry as a true top ten tight end in the NFL.
3 David Andrews, C (85)
Playing center in the NFL is a thankless job, despite how pivotal it is to the overall success of both an offensive line unit and an offense in general. David Andrews plays a key role in the development of young quarterback Mac Jones as the center helps set protections and can use his intelligence to overcome weaknesses the New England Patriots line may have physically.
With the team drafting Cole Strange in the 2022 NFL Draft, it's unclear if Andrews' time is coming to an end, but an 85 overall is more than fitting for the Super Bowl-winning anchor standing at the center of that offense.
2 Devin McCourty, FS (87)
With Jason McCourty of the Miami Dolphins retiring during the 2022 NFL offseason, it means that his twin brother Devin is the last of the two in the NFL. As a safety for the New England Patriots, Devin has provided a true sense of veteran leadership and is trusted to keep that unit in the right headspace.
It's hard to earn the trust of Hall of Fame head coach Bill Belichick, but Devin happens to be one of the few that accomplished that feat. It's unclear how many more years Devin will play, but until that point, this 87 overall safety will likely work to mold fellow safety Kyle Dugger into a stud in the secondary.
1 Matthew Judon, LOLB (87)
Transitioning from the Baltimore Ravens to the New England Patriots, Matthew Judon quietly had 12.5 sacks for the team in 2021. It kind of went unnoticed, partially because he plays under Bill Belichik, but that shouldn't discount his talent.
The 87 overall pass-rusher will need to reproduce his production in 2022 for a team that doesn't have a clear pass-rushing threat opposite of him. As he begins to approach 30, he also needs just three sacks to hit 50 for his career, which is quite an accomplishment for a 5th-round draft pick out of Grand Valley State.
Madden NFL 23 is available on PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X/S, Xbox One, and PC.