Patriots linebackers ready to make the jump

welcome to Patriots Position Breakdowna 10-part series on NESN.com where we take a deep dive into each of New England’s position groups ahead of the start of training camp.

It’s time we started recognizing just how good New England’s defense could be.

The Patriots’ decision to retain top internal free agents stems in part from the need to keep their core strong, and the returns of Anfernee Jennings and Joshua Uche are really helping things fall into place. Matthew Judon is returning from injury, and while questions remain about his ability to return to form, he will likely still be one of the best pass-rushers in the NFL.

Ja’Whaun Bentley and Jahlani Tavai are as steady as they come, and that’s all you can ask of the guys who will roam the middle of the field.

Inside linebackers Dont’a Hightower and outside linebackers Drew Wilkins have some pretty big shoes to fill as they take over for Jerod Mayo and a departing Steve Belichick, but it won’t take much to get this group ready.

List overview

– Matthew Judon
– Anfernee Jennings
–Joshua Uche
– Oshane Ximines
– Ja’Whaun Bentley
– Jahlani Tavaï
–Sione Takitaki
–Raekwon McMillan
– Steele Rooms
– Christian Elliss
– Joe Giles-Harris
–Jontrey Hunter

It’s unlikely we’ll find a position group easier to dissect than this one. Bentley, Tavai and Judon are the cornerstones. Jennings, Uche and Takitaki will take on important situational roles, giving Mayo the appropriate personnel to execute what it hopes will continue to be a game plan defense.

Oshane Ximines seems like he has a chance to stick around, likely on special teams and as a versatile option on the defensive end. Raekwon McMillan has a ton of fans in the building. Steele Chambers is one of the best athletes on defense and could steal (see what we did there?) a roster spot.

The Patriots must feel good about this group.

The biggest question(s)

– Will Bentley’s role change?
The NFL is getting faster and aging linebackers don’t tend to do the same.

Bentley isn’t likely to lose a roster spot, but there’s some question about whether he’ll play less now that there’s so much depth at the position. You don’t want to lose a guy like that early in the season and in obvious race scenarios, but he might have to sit out longer this season than he has in the past.

– Is Judon going to be there?
This has been covered on several NESN platforms, but we have to ask it here.

Judon is aging, coming off an injury, and is playing on a cheap contract that anyone would be happy to trade. If the Patriots get called, they’d be stupid not to listen to offers.

— Does the new kickoff rule open up more spots?
The Patriots typically won’t draft this many linebackers, with Kyle Dugger and Marte Mapu serving as out-of-the-box options to take reps in a pinch. The NFL could have more space for prototypical linebackers, however.

If you haven’t really studied the new kickoff rules, one thing you should know is that the makeup of a special teams player is about to change. Brenden Schooler will still have his place, but size and the ability to get off blocks are key. Who does that? Baby LBs.

Chambers is our candidate to fill one of these spots, as he will have an athletic advantage. Jontrey Hunter shouldn’t be ruled out though.

Grade

– A

The Patriots should have no problem finding production from this group, especially among the young edge defenders who will once again get a boost with Judon on the field. New England’s defense has an excellent core.