With Patriots camp set to open Thursday, we wanted to reset the roster at each position and give you a few things we’ll be keeping an eye on down in Foxborough. So far, we’ve previewed the quarterbacks, running backs, tight ends, receivers, offensive line, and defensive line. In this segment, we break down the linebackers.
New England is set to welcome back Dont’a Hightower, and not a moment too soon. A defensive captain, he’s one of the most valuable guys on the roster. While there will be others who are in and out the lineup, Hightower is the key. Look for Kyle Van Noy to be part of the conversation as well, as well as returnees Elandon Roberts and Marquis Flowers. Youngsters Ja’Whaun Bentley and Christian Sam could challenge for playing time, while Harvey Langi is back after a serious car crash ended his 2017 season.
No. 1: Dont’a Hightower
Position: Inside linebacker with some positional flexibility.
The good: The centerpiece of the New England defense, there’s a sense of balance in Foxborough with him back in the lineup. If he can stay on the field, there’s no reason to think this can’t be a Top 10 defense. He’s that important.
The questionable: Durability. No one is questioning his toughness — he’s one of the toughest guys on the roster at a position that demands it — but the truth of the matter is he’s only had one year where he’s played 16 regular-season games.
Skinny: The third-most valuable member of the team behind Tom Brady and Rob Gronkowski, Hightower’s health is one of the things that will determine just how far this team goes in 2018.
No. 2: Kyle Van Noy
Position: Inside linebacker
The good: After Hightower went down last year, he did as well as could be expected stepping into the middle of the defense. A defender with good speed, he played 67 percent of the snaps, most of any of the linebackers.
The questionable: Not a great run-stopper.
Skinny: He’s not Hightower, but he carved out a niche as a dependable, complementary presence in the middle. As a result, he earned the right to be considered the guy next to Hightower as a starter at the dawn of camp.
No. 3: Elandon Roberts
Position: Inside linebacker.
The good: A big-hitter capable of punishing ballcarriers, he was asked to do more down the stretch after the Patriots lost Hightower for the season.
The questionable: Coverage issues. Has a tendency to pick the wrong gap.
Skinny: His experience from last year will certainly help him when it comes to his development, but could still face a challenge for playing time from rookies Sam and/or Bentley.
(Adam Richins/Boston Sports Journal)
Patriots
Countdown to camp: LBs - After Dont'a Hightower, who fills out the rest of the depth chart?
Marquis Flowers grew into part of the linebacking rotation in 2017. (Adam Richins/Boston Sports Journal)
No. 4: Marquis Flowers
Position:
The good:
The questionable:
Skinny:
No. 5: Harvey Langi
Position:
The good:
The questionable:
Skinny:
No. 6: Nicholas Grigsby
Position:
The good:
The questionable:
Skinny:
No. 7: Brandon King
Position:
The good:
The questionable:
Skinny:
No. 8: Christian Sam
(per Patriots' style, we've listed the rookies as last on the depth chart)
Position:
The good:
The questionable:
Skinny:
Jordan Richards
No. 9: Ja’Whaun Bentley
Position:
The good:
The questionable:
Skinny:
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