First-round quarterback Mac Jones stole the spotlight among the New England Patriots’ rookies in 2021 — and rightfully so —, but the team’s second-round selection also had a very good campaign. In fact, Christian Barmore was one of the best rookie defenders in all of football last year.
Even though he did not produce a lot of highlight-reel plays, Barmore proved himself a disruptive presence along New England’s defensive line on a week-to-week basis. Not only did he register 48 tackles, he also notched a combined 48 quarterback disruptions, according to Pro Football Focus.