As Summer Arrives, The 2022 Patriots’ Defense Will Increase The Heat
As we enter another phase of the Patriots offseason, and the team continues to put its team together we will look at the defense. When we last saw the defense, they were looking tired and getting run over in the loss to the Buffalo Bills in the playoffs.
In this article, we will look at each part of the defense to see who should make the final roster and who should win key battles at their respective positions on the team.
Summer Of Battling
Knowing they needed to make changes for this upcoming season the coaching staff led by head coach Bill Belichick had to make some difficult choices. They began to shed the older veterans from the team by not resigning the likes of Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins, and Kyle Van Noy, and choosing to let JC Jackson sign with the LA Chargers.
They also traded Chase Winovich to the Cleveland Browns all this in a move to reshape the defense to get younger, faster, and more powerful. Monday starts another bout of organized team activities which will continue on and off through summer camp.
Defensive Line Could Fuel The Defense
First, we will look at the defensive line led by last year’s rookie sensation nose tackle Christian Barmore and fellow teammate defensive lineman Davon Godchaux. Rounding out the defensive line we have left end Deatrich Wise Jr. and right end Lawrence Guy.
Looking at the rest of the linemen who could make an impact and make the roster Henry Anderson who signed on as a free agent last year could have the inside track to stick if he returns to form and makes a solid impact in the summer camp. We also have returning veterans Carl Davis Junior, Bryon Cowart, and Daniel Ekuale.
New England drafted defensive lineman Sam Roberts out of Northwest Missouri State in the sixth round of this year’s draft and he should battle for a backup role or practice squad with the team. Other players battling for the final spots on the line are Bill Murray and UDFA LaBryan Ray who could also be a practice squad player.
Linebackers Who Need To Step Up This Summer
Next up the area of the Patriots will need to improve greatly if they want to remain competitive in the division this season and that is at linebacker. This group is led by all-pro linebacker Matthew Judon and fellow veteran Ja’Whaun Bently as the leaders of this group.
Now, remember we let some key veterans go this offseason all were fan favorites but were aging so now the youth movement begins. Recently drafted linebackers like Josh Uche, Ronnie Perkins, Anfrenee Jennings and last year’s drafted linebacker Cameron McGrone from Michigan will be counted on heavily this year as the new core of the defense.
Looking at the rest of the current linebackers on the roster are Raekwon McMillian who was hurt last year but impressed the team before being injured should make the team. As the final spots fill out Harvey Langi, Jahlani Tavai, and Mack Wilson to battle for the final spots at the position.
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Yes, this group should provide a heavily fought battle to see who will make the final roster but in doing so this should make the team’s linebackers younger, stronger, and faster than in past years.
Defensive Backs Have Depth, Needing A Star To Emerge
Finally, a spot that was widely talked about this offseason is at defensive back. This was a position of significant need with the loss of JC Jackson who signed with the LA Chargers. Most people felt they would address this position in the draft and or free agency which they did.
First, they signed free agent Utility back Jabrill Peppers who had been with the Giants last season. Then they draft not one but two cornerbacks in this year’s draft Marcus Jones out of Houston and Jack Jones from Arizona State.
Other players who should be safe and on the final roster are Kyle Dugger, Devin McCourty, Adrian Phillips, and Jonathan Jones. Hopefully, newly resigned Malcolm Butler can return to form should be a major lift for the defense. Now battling for the final spots on the defense are Terrance Mitchell, Jalen Mills, and Cody Davis.
With youngers Joshuah Bledsoe, Shaun Wade, Miles Bryant, and UDFA Brenden Schooler combating as practice squad candidates. Joejuan Williams could be a candidate for a trade as he hasn’t lived up to teams’ expectations as a second-round draft pick a few years ago
So, in looking at the defense the Patriots will face a tough challenge this upcoming season in the AFC East trying to stop the likes of Josh Allen and the Bills. To do this they need to be more youthful, quicker, and more assertive on defense and be just what they need to win the division.
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