Robert Spillane

Spillane's rise in the NFL is an interesting case. He was an early-down linebacker and special teams contributor in Pittsburgh, but graduated to a near full-time defensive role in Las Vegas. His work in coverage suggests that his best fit is limited to primarily being a run stuffer, but the three-year, $33 million contract that he signed with New England this offseason tells us that coach Mike Vrabel views Spillane as a core defensive player and culture setter as the Patriots seek to get back to their winning ways. Given Spillane's lack of effectiveness in coverage, there is downside to his projection, though the worst-case scenario is that he remains elite against the run and sees a slight dip in his tackle total if he's taken off the field on clear passing downs. Read Past Outlooks