With long-time veterans Dont’a Hightower, Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins all gone, the New England Patriots’ linebacker position underwent a transformation over the course of the offseason. The keys have been turned over to a new generation of players, and a new group of leaders.
One of those is Matthew Judon. A free agency addition last year, Judon already made his presence felt in his first year in the system; he led the Patriots in sacks with a career-high 12.5 and was voted to the Pro Bowl.
Heading into Year 2, he might have to take on an even bigger role not just on the field but off it as well.