2019 Personnel: Jamie Collins (UFA), Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy (UFA)
One of the driving forces behind the 2019 New England Patriots ‘Boogeyman’ defense was a stout linebacking corps led by returning star Jamie Collins, and established leaders Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy. Alongside eventual fullback Elandon Roberts and former rookie standout Ja’Whaun Bentley, the middle of this defense was the heart and soul behind their efforts.
Even if the New England Patriots secondary was the most prominent aspect, the linebacking play of 2019 can not be ignored.
With Collins, Van Noy, and Roberts all hitting the open market and finding bigger paychecks elsewhere after impressive tenures in New England, Belichick & Co. need to find new complementing pieces to pair alongside Hightower and Bentley.
New England’s linebacking is built into a hybrid defense that primarily finds itself using 3-4 personnel, but each linebacker needs to be capable of rushing the passer, holding their ground and shooting gaps against the run, and dropping into shallow zone coverage. Having a high football IQ is also one of the biggest characteristics of any New England player, especially at such a dynamic position in their defensive scheme.
There are two very different players coming out of the 2020 NFL draft who could both fit into Belichick’s defense for very different reasons. Texas Tech’s Jordyn Brooks is a lightning-quick gap-shooting middle linebacker who holds an aggressive mindset and is willing to throw his body into the path of an opposing ball carrier.
On the contrary, Wisconsin outside linebacker Zack Baun is one of the smartest players in the draft class. Similarly to former New England Patriot’s legend Rob Ninkovich, Baun has shown great off-ball play setting the edge against the run and is very witty.