Linebacker Kyle Van Noy has been an unlikely hero for the resurgent New England Patriots defense in 2017. Van Noy replaced Jamie Collins halfway through the 2016 season when the latter was traded to the Cleveland Browns, but only had a rotational role in the defense.
This year, Van Noy has started next to a revolving door of talent. Dont’a Hightower was in and out and in and out of the line-up due to injuries, allowing Elandon Roberts and David Harris and Marquis Flowers and Cassius Marsh and Trevor Reilly to play at various points this year.