One year ago, the New England Patriots’ linebacker position was one of many questions. Dont’a Hightower was coming off injured reserve, Kyle Van Noy and Elandon Roberts were up-and-down in 2017, and rookies Ja’Whaun Bentley and Christian Sam were... well, rookies. Fast forward to today, however, and you will find a group that consists of mostly the same characters, but one that has an entirely different outlook heading into the new season.
Now, linebacker is one of the most intriguing positions on New England’s roster. The 2018 season and especially the introduction of the flexible ‘amoeba’ front late during the year are partially responsible for that: Hightower and Van Noy were terrific down the stretch, Roberts played the best football of his career, and Bentley showed considerable promise before being placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a biceps injury.