2018 Patriots positional snapshot: A memorable season for Patriots' linebacking corps

With the Patriots’ 2018 season done, we’re going to take a look back at the team by position, and provide a few thoughts as to what they might need at that spot moving forward. So far, we’ve put the offense under the microscope, as well as the special teamers. Our defensive snapshots kicked off with the defensive line — now, it’s the linebackers.

2018 depth chart: Kyle Van Noy (92 tackles, 3.5 sacks, 1 INT), Dont’a Hightower (48 tackles, 1 sack, 1 INT), Elandon Roberts (65 tackles, 1 sack), Ju’Whaun Bentley (IR), Christian Sam (IR). (FYI — We included Albert McClellan, Ramon Humber and Brandon King— who are listed on the roster as linebackers — in the special teams’ section.)

Contract status: Van Noy (signed through 2019), Hightower (signed through 2020), Roberts (signed through 2019), Bentley (signed through 2021), Sam (signed through 2021)