With the bye week, it's time for us to look back at the first half of the New England Patriots season. And that's just what we're going to do. All this weekend, we will be doing a series of mid-season articles. We'll be talking about this year's good and bad so far.

First, we will begin by handing out grades for all the Patriots rookies. With all the injuries on the team this season, many of these players have had to step up. And while some have made the most of this moment, others have struggled with the transition from college to the NFL. Let's jump into it. 

We'll be going in the order that the player was drafted.

CB Christian Gonzalez
Round 1, Pick 17

The Patriots first round draft pick started the season very strong and was proving to be a top prospect for the team. After a strong first few games in the league, Gonzalez was named Defensive Rookie of the Month (for September). 

However, he suffered a torn labrum at the beginning of October and had to have season-ending surgery. Gonzalez finished his rookie season with 17 total tackles (14 solo), one sack, one interception, and three passes defended across the four games he played.

Grade: A

DE Keion White
Round 2, Pick 46

While White doesn't say much, the Patriots defensive end chooses to make his presence known through actions. White puts a lot of pressure on the opposing team's offense, trying to get to the quarterback. And when needed, he is fairly effective at stopping the run game.  

Grade: C+

LB Marte Mapu
Round 3, Pick 76

Despite having earned a spot on the 53-man roster, Mapu has been quiet this season, even though he has played in all 10 games . It will be nice to see Mapu taking a bigger role on the defense during the second half of the season after a promising training camp. 

Grade: D

C Jake Andrews
Round 4, Pick 107

Nothing to go off of. 

Grade: Incomplete

K Chad Ryland
Round 4, Pick 112

Ryland had a very hard job, having to come in and replace Nick Folk. However, the kicker has been solid this season. His worst moment came when he missed a 35-yard field goal in Germany when the Patriots were trailing, but had a chance to take the lead. Shaking off some of those first-year nerves will be important for Ryland to continue to grow and become more reliable.  

Grade: C

OL Sidy Sow
Round 4, Pick 117

Sow has showed promise, having to step up this season in light of all the injuries to the offensive line. Because of that, he has become a more stable addition to the line, earning the start alongside Mike Onwenu, David Andrews, Cole Strange, and Trent Brown/Conor McDermott. 

Grade: C+

OL Atonio Mafi
Round 5, Pick 144

Mafi has had some opportunities with all the injuries, but has not been a consistent presence. He has improved since joining the team, but still has a lot of room to grow.  

Grade: C-

WR Kayshon Boutte
Round 6, Pick 187'

After playing in the season opener, Kayshon Boutte was sidelined for the weeks to follow. He finally got back on the field during New England's loss to the Indianapolis Colts in Germany. Hopefully this means that he will get some more opportunities, but there just isn't enough to go off of. 

Grade: Incomplete

P Bryce Baringer
Round 6, Pick 192

While Baringer has certainly made a few mistakes, the rookie punter has shown that he has an impressive leg and can pin the opposing team far back at moments. The next step for him is consistency. 

Grade: B

WR Demario Douglas 
Round 6, Pick 210

Douglas is someone who took everyone by surprise early on in training camp and has not disappointed so far this season. The rookie receiver had one mistake early in the season, but since then he has put on a show. He has become one of the top threats for the Patriots, especially after the team lost Kendrick Bourne. 

Grade: A-

CB Ameer Speed
Round 6, Pick 214

Speed's time with the Patriots was short, being waived in the middle of October. He was quickly claimed off waivers by the Indianapolis Colts after and has been with them since. 

Grade: Incomplete

CB Isaiah Bolden 
Round 7, Pick 245

Bolden suffered a terrifying injury in the fourth quarter of the Patriots preseason contest against the Green Bay Packers. After sustaining a severe neck injury, it resulted in immobilization and medical staff carted him off the field.

He was placed on injured reserve afterwards. 

Grade: Incomplete

QB Malik Cunningham
Undrafted 

This is an interesting one. Many wanted to see the Patriots give Malik Cunningham more of a chance at quarterback, but Bill Belichick was hell-bent on keeping him at receiver. He has primarily been on the practice squad, but was signed to the active roster for a short period of time. 

If we were to judge him on the preseason, it would be pretty good, but there hasn't been much to go off of during the regular season. 

Grade: Incomplete

CB Alex Austin
Round 7, Pick 252 – Buffalo Bills

The cornerback signed with the Patriots at the beginning of November, but has not seen any game action since joining, so there is nothing to grade him from. However, his ties to the Patriots definitely deserve an A, with his uncle being Willie Mcginest.  

Grade: N/A