4. New England Patriots
Similar to the Jets, the Patriots took a big loss in their linebacking core due to an opt out via Dont’a Hightower. Also like the Jets, there’s a lack of talented depth behind him to deal with such a loss, especially after Voy Noy skipped town. Hightower had 60 total tackles and four sacks last year.
Edge rushers Josh Simon and Chase Winovich will be relied up to get into the opponents’ backfield without Van Noy’s services. Winovich registered 5.5 sacks during his rookie season in 2019, while Simon added four. The challenge for this unit will be filling the interior of the line. Ja’Whaun Bentley and sixth-round pick Cassh Maluia will fill the gap left behind by Hightower, which again, is a very big ask.
Rookie Josh Uche, Derek Rivers, Brandon Copeland, Shilique Calhoun, and rookie Anfernee Jennings will provide depth with the possibility of starting this season. The Pats are going to depend on youth and inexperience in this area. It will be interesting to see how Bill Belichick gets production out of this unit. The players will need to follow the system closely, as individually they will be outmatched.
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