Patriots 2018 Roster Breakdown: SS Nate Ebner

The New England Patriots have one hell of a team, and their active roster is comprised of 90 players. But, it’s time to make it clear. Only 53 of the players will actually survive the countdowns at the very beginning of September. That’s how we’ll know the exact line of the team. We’ll also be able to check up on the players who will help the team recapture the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Nate Ebner. That’s pretty much everything we’ll say on the matter.

Nate Ebner holds the position of strong safety/special teamer.

Position: Strong safety / special teamer
Jersey number: 43
Opening day age: 29
Experience: 6
Size: 6’0, 215 lbs.

2017 was the final year of his contract, and this brought Ebner’s role in the team to another level. The veteran may be the core special teamer, and he may appear regularly on all four kicking game units. That doesn’t apply to the defense.

Ebner appeared on the field during 172 special team snaps. He was also one of the most productive kicking game players regardless of his original position. He was also a core member of the Pats’ blocking units. He served as personal punt protector, and helped allow punter Ryan Allen space and time. The team has no punts blocked in the season as the unit finished with a net differential of +3.6 yard per punt return. Ebner was a front-line blocker on the kickoff unit, and also helped the unit get to +3.3 yards average per runback.

His season was brought to an abrupt end in week 12 during the game against the Miami Dolphins. Ebner ended up with a torn ACL.

Although Ebner was set to become unrestricted free agent after 2017, he didn’t make it to the open market. He re-signed with the Pats on March 13. The $5.0 million contract was definitely worth it.