With the start of NFL free agency on March 10 approaching, it is commonplace to see various rankings of the top players set to hit the market. There is enjoyment in reviewing how different analysts/reporters put together their rankings, specifically from the perspective of how New England Patriots players are perceived.

NFL.com and Rotoworld have produced their lists, and here are a few takeaways:

Devin McCourty: No. 6. NFL.com puts McCourty as the sixth overall free agent in the category of "difference maker." McCourty is the top-rated safety in Rotoworld's position-specific rankings.

Shane Vereen: The running back checks in at No. 51 on NFL.com's overall list and is referred to as "basically a younger version of Reggie Bush right now", while viewed as the seventh-rated running back by Rotoworld.

Stephen Gostkowski: Kicker is slotted at No. 63, and the top player at the position in both rankings.

Akeem Ayers: Defensive end/linebacker lands at No. 83 on NFL.com's rankings, and 12th in Rotoworld's edge-defender rankings. One thought: Had he not been traded to New England from the Tennessee Titans, would he even crack the top 100?

Stevan Ridley: Despite coming off a torn ACL, Ridley lands at No. 86 on NFL.com's list, while Rotoworld has him as the eighth-rated player at the position.

NOTES: Darrelle Revis is not part of either list because he's technically under contract for 2015. ... Defensive tackle Alan Branch (18th) got Rotoworld's nod over former Patriot Tommy Kelly (22nd). ... Former Patriots Brandon Spikes (47th, NFL.com), Ryan Mallett (64th, NFL.com) and Brian Hoyer (70th, NFL.com) caught the eye, as did linebacker Dane Fletcher (No. 12 ILB, Rotoworld). ... Patriots linebacker Jonathan Casillas lands at No. 5 on Rotoworld's listing of 4-3 outside linebackers, while Dan Connolly is the 16th-rated guard.