Tag Archives: Ja’Whaun Bentley

Why The Patriots Linebacker Unit Will Be Successful This Year

The Patriots linebackers will have a positive impact defensively, and will be crucial for the teams success. New, old, and returning Patriots have come together to form a truly scary unit.

Coaching

The two coaches with the most influence over this group is easily Jerod Mayo(Linebackers Coach) and Bill Belichick(Head Coach/Defensive Play-caller). Luckily for the unit, these two are the best men for the job.

Bill Belichick

No one can forget Belichick’s genius as a coach. His command for discipline, and the ability to get the most out of his players, is admired around the league. But what some may forget, is that he was a top defensive coordinator in the league during his Giants and Jets days. As a DC for nine years, he led FIVE top-five defenses, three top-10, and only one year of top-15. In that time span he also won TWO championships, both with the Giants. He was widely considered one of the best defensive coaches in the league, even with the help of talents such as Lawrence Taylor. With him as the defensive play-caller for the Pats next year, it means nothing will get lost in translation when talking to players or calling plays.

Jerod Mayo

Jerod Mayo wasn’t just a superb linebacker, but he is also a true leader. He was named captain FOUR times in a row during his playing career. His leadership and experience within the Pat’s system makes this the perfect situation for him to succeed as a coach. He also has connections with the current team, which give him a knowledge of what works best with the group and how to motivate them. His playing style, to me at least, is very similar to that of Collins. He also spent years playing beside Hightower. With all things considered, Mayo was literally the perfect option for the role.

Players

Photo by Craig F. Walker/The Boston Globe via Getty Images

Dont’a Hightower

Dont’a Hightower has a vast knowledge of the game, granting him success no matter where he plays or what role he is in. In high school he played linebacker and end on the defensive side. As a senior DE, he had 168 tackles, five forced fumbles, and five interceptions. That campaign was good enough to win him the title 3A Mr. Football Lineman of the Year and The Tennesseans Defensive Most Valuable Player in 2007. At Alabama he broke out in his junior year, where he captained the best defense in the nation. He was a consensus first team all American and a finalist for many awards like the Lombardi Award (best player regardless of position), Chuck Bednarik Award (best defensive player), Butkus Award (best linebacker), and the Lott Trophy (an award on the person’s character).

This was enough to impress Belichick, who drafted him in the first round. Hightower has impressed in the regular season, and is even better in the playoffs. He is a great all around linebacker who can sneak into passing lanes, stop the run, or blitz. Last year was a comeback year for him after just recovering from a big injury. So this year I expect him back as a star linebacker.

Jamie Collins

The great Jamie Collins has returned, and for cheap too! Collins has a great IQ for the game. Since he was once a star high school QB, Collins knows how they think. He was amazing in college, collecting 314 tackles, 21 sacks, and three interceptions in his career. Collins also earned first team All Conference honors in his senior year. He is a greatly underrated pro, as in the three seasons he has started over 14 games he has had over 100 tackles, at least three sacks, and one to two interceptions. Just last year he posted the stat line of 104 tackles, four sacks, and one interception, which is a truly great year.

Like Hightower, Collins is also an all around solid linebacker. The only difference between the two is Collins is usually the center of blitzes thanks to his athleticism. Also remember, the Browns cut him because he was overpaid, not because he was bad. He was once spectacular in the Pats system, so why can’t he do it again?

Kyle Van Noy

Kyle Van Noy has been underrated for his entire career. In his junior year at BYU he was the leader of one of the best defenses in the nation, and was third-team All American because of it. As a senior he made second team, and also was named to the watch lists for almost all of the awards Hightower was a finalist for. His college career was good enough to be drafted by the Lions in the second round. Unfortunately, he never got the chance to succeed in the organization until his third year. That year he started all of the Lions games, before being traded to the Patriots with a seventh round pick for a sixth.

In his first full season for the Pats, he impressed with five and a half sacks and 73 tackles in 13 games. Last year he was even better, producing 92 tackles, three and a half sacks, and one interception while starting all 16 games. He was also crucial in last year’s playoffs run, averaging one sack and over five tackles a game on route to a championship.

Ja’Whaun Bentley

Ja’Whaun Bentley may not have showed us much, but what he has shown is extremely exciting. The young man had a good college career, starting all four years at Purdue. In his last year he had 97 tackles, 11.5 for a loss, and was an honorable mention for 2017 All Big Ten Conference Team. He was also named the defensive MVP of the Foster Farms bowl win over Arizona.

In the three games he played for the Patriots, he displayed the potential to be the best linebacker on the team. He had an interception and 14 tackles, and PFF even gave him a score of 80.7. That score isn’t only the best among linebackers on the team, but it puts him high on the list of the best linebackers in the whole league. I am excited to see how he plays this upcoming year, and I hope he gets the chance to develop and hone his skills.

Elandon Roberts

I’m not going to tell you that Elandon Roberts is a star, because he isn’t. But I will say that he is definitely important. He is the first man off the bench for the Patriots linebacking unit. While he isn’t flashy, he almost never makes mistakes, which is a trait that Belichick loves in his players. Roberts, like most of the Patriots linebackers, was a multi-sport athlete in high school due to his athleticism. At Morgan State college for his freshman year he had 107 tackles, two sacks, and an interception. The 107 tackles marks the second best single-season total in program history. This earned him a move to Houston, where in his senior year he racked up 142 tackles (fourth most in the nation). He fell to the sixth round, where the Patriots snagged him. His play rivals the starters, and will be an important piece this year if the Patriots go on a run in the playoffs or an injury occurs.

Experience, Connections, and Motivations

This group does not need the time to get to know each other and the system. Mayo, as previously stated, played for a Patriots defense which ran a near identical style. Four of the five main players in this unit have played for the Patriots in at least three seasons (counting the half of a season Van Noy played). They have also had at least a basic level of success. All of them also have a type of personality which meshes. Well, maybe besides Collins. The point is, this group doesn’t need time to settle in.

They also have a motivational tool which, has always fueled Patriots championship runs: the wish to prove people wrong. Hightower wants to get back to star form. Collins wants to prove he’s still got it. Van Noy wants to show that last year wasn’t a fluke. Bentley wants to prove that the flashes last season will lead to something, and that the injury hasn’t impacted his career. Roberts wants to show everyone he can compete at the same level as his teammates. This group is like a ticking time bomb, just waiting to burst out and take the league by surprise.

Verdict

Everything is there for the linebacking unit to be one of the top units in the league and lead the Patriots defense. Now we just need to hope that they recognize it themselves and play to their fullest potential. If preseason/training camp is any indication, they are well on their way.

Sophomore Snapshot: The Good, the Bad, the Incomplete

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Training camp has opened and the season is fast approaching. The 2018 Patriot draft class has some good, some bad and some incompletes. This sophomore snapshot gets you caught up ready for your first preseason game.

The Good

Aug 9, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley (51) tackles Washington Redskins running back Byron Marshall (34) during the second quarter at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

J.C. Jackson

The biggest surprise from the rookie draft picks came from an undrafted defensive back! A day two talent that fell due to off the field questions and some poor testing shined for the Patriots. As part of the top rotation in the backfield he has impressed with his speed and physicality, even against bigger wide receivers and tight ends. His aggressiveness caught up to him and he began acquiring penalties in the playoffs, and his usage began to dip. Has a real shot at taking the next step and being the number two option at cornerback, opposite Gilmore on game day.

Ja’Whaun Bentley

When training camp broke in 2018, the defense looked like it had a new wrecking force playing at linebacker. In the first three games he amassed more statistics than most rookie linebackers do all season. He collected a single interception, pass defensed, tackle for loss, and a QB hit. Bentley also had nine solo tackles and five assisted tackles. A torn biceps landed him on injured reserve prior to week 4, otherwise the Bentley legend could have grown. He goes into 2019 being the top option behind Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy. While he does have some competition from Elandon Roberts and reacquired Jamie Collins, he easily could never leave the field.

Trent Harris

What does a team do when a pro bowl defensive end leaves in free agency? You have his replacement ready to go the next year. Most expect Dietrich Wise to step in take the next step. I for one am jumping on the Trent Harris train for this. His impressive preseason in pressuring the quarterback, and season long stint on the practice squad, will prepare him for a bigger role on the defense for the 2019 campaign. Don’t be surprised when you hear his name called again and again this year. The time is ripe for the next great defender on the Patriots.

The Bad

Sep 30, 2018; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots running back Sony Michel (26) and running back James White (28) warm up before the start of the game against the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports

Duke Dawson

What does it mean when a team gives a prospect every opportunity to get on the field and make an impact and he can’t even be active for a game? I don’t know either, but it’s not good. Numerous reasons conspired against the highly-touted second round pick. A hamstring injury landed him on the injured reserve at the beginning of the season. But unlike most of his fellow rookies, the Patriots used one of its IR activation spots on him. He could never crack the game day roster the rest of the season due to a healthy secondary that was playing well. With that disappointment behind him he needs to be ready and compete for playing time. Cutting Dawson prior to opening day is unlikely, anything else can happen. Change of scenery trade, another IR stint, or being inactive all season will be extremely negative to his career path. No one wants to see another Ras-I Dowling or Cyrus Jones happen.

Sony Michel

I debated placing Michel in the incomplete. He ultimately lands in the bad due to the chronic nature of his health problems and the competitiveness of his position. Michel had a very good rookie year and a perfect postseason run on the way to a Super Bowl ring. How could six regular season touchdowns, six postseason touchdowns and over 1250 rushing yards land him in the bad? Two knee surgeries, two knee injuries and multiple missed games and practices will do it. The Patriots also drafted a potential backup/replacement in Damien Harris. This is in addition to returning running backs in Rex Burkhead and James White. All of this paints a clouded picture of the second year back’s future.

Danny Etling

Oh Danny boy! I wish things could be turning out differently. When the Patriots drafted Jarett Stidham in the fourth round, Etling’s path to a regular season spot became nearly impossible. He spent his rookie season on the practice squad. The plan is to compete with veteran Brian Hoyer for the backup spot. Winning that battle is becoming imperative post-draft. The Patriots will likely carry three quarterbacks on the active roster this year, as stashing Stidham on the practice squad is very risky. This would make Etling’s potential spot on there that much more unlikely. I hope he can make it. If not we’ll always have the fourth preseason game.

The Incomplete

Isaiah Wynn

The New England Patriots have had an uncharacteristic period of instability at the important left tackle position recently. In 2017 Nate Solder was the starter, in 2018 it was Trent Brown. There will be a different player protecting Tom Brady’s blind side in 2019. The favorite is the second year player from Georgia. This could be more of a rocky transition than with Brown. Wynn is coming off one of the worst injuries in football. The torn Achilles he suffered in the second preseason game is reportedly healed as he avoided the PUP list to open camp. Is he suitable for the left tackle position in the NFL? As long as Tom Brady is back there and Dante Scarnecchia is teaching the group they will be ready on game day.

The Injury Squad

When you have a team that finishes the season as the second seed and dominates the playoffs enroute to a third Super Bowl appearance in four years you could expect some contribution from its rookies. This is a team that saw five of its rookie picks hit the IR before the season began. Included were Braxton Berrios, Christian Sam and Ryan Izzo. All are expected to hit the ground running and make some noise if they want to secure their roster spots this season, and the years to come.

Thank you for reading this article written by Andrew Lykins. You can find the rest of my work over at https://bostonsportsextra.com/author/@alykins32

You can find many other fine articles on all Boston sports at Bostonsportsextra.com
My mind resides at twitter under @ALykins32

All statistics were found at https://www.pro-football-reference.com/ unless otherwise noted.

LFG for the 7th Ring in 2019!!

A Reunion with Collins

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Do you believe in second chances? Can you improve on first impressions? Is it possible to go back home? Can Jamie Collins come back to the team that drafted him?

So many questions…

These are questions that the New England Patriots and linebacker Jamie Collins are going to find the answers to when training camp opens for the 2019 NFL season. Collins was unceremoniously shipped off to the Cleveland Browns late October of 2016. Coming during the bye week of a tumultuous season it provided a much needed break for both parties.

The Patriots received draft capital for an individual it was likely not to resign. The Cleveland Browns got their hands on top tier free agent, one who might not have even taken a phone call from management. The Browns quickly inked him to a four year deal.

Bill Belichick walked away from the deal as the eventual winner, as they helped turn that third round pick into Brandin Cooks, Isaiah Wynn and numerous other draft day maneuvers. Oh, and two Super Bowl rings and an additional appearance. So, that worked out ok.

What led to his exit?

Similar to Patrick Chung‘s career arc, Collins has returned a wiser and more experienced football player. During his initial stint, he won on athleticism and speed. Every fan in New England remembers his leap over the head of the long snapper to block that kick. It was his freelancing ways that drew the ire of the coaching staff and contributed to his banishment to Cleveland. His contract situation also contributed. And like so many Patriots before him, he was seeking riches that the team was not willing to part with.

Now that the Cleveland Browns shelled out the cash for him, what do the Patriots have in store for the experienced vet?

What are the Patriots getting?

Jamie Collins and Myles Garrett attempt to rush the Passer: Photo credits by Erik Drost Flickr

A versatile, dynamic linebacker on the cheap for one. His contract is an extremely reasonable one year deal that guaranteed just $250k, and up to $5 million dollars in mostly incentive based language.

Snaps for another. With Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy returning as roster locks, and second year Ja’Whaun Bentley coming back from injury, there are only three sure linebackers on the roster for week one.

KVN accounted for 90.70% of the defensive snaps, as well as an additional 125 snaps on special teams. Hightower followed him with 74.21%, and 74 snaps on defense and special teams respectively. After that was a whole lot of part timers on both units.

Collins did miss ten games in the 2017 season with a concussion and a season ending MCL tear. He bounced back in 2018 but still look a touch slow. Collins will have to prove that he is fully healthy in order to stick with the team. He will also have to show up willing to work and listen to the coaching staff. With Belichick having a greater hand on the defensive side of the ball, I doubt he will allow the amount of improvisation that Collins is capable of.

The expectations for the 2019 season?

Jamie Collins readies himself for another practice rep. Photo: Erik Drost Flickr

Collins can come in and prove his professionalism. He can get caught up with the new play book and bring his unique playing styles to the team. If the Patriots break camp with a healthy four man rotation of Hightower, KVN, Bentley and Collins, that would constitute one of the deeper and more talented units across the league.

Whatever happens, Belichick will select his guys, get them ready, and put the best game plan to win football for the 2019 season.

Thank you for reading this article written by Andrew Lykins. You can find the rest of my work over at https://bostonsportsextra.com/author/@alykins32 You can find many other fine articles on all Boston sports at Bostonsportsextra.com
My mind resides at twitter under @ALykins32

All statistics were found at www.pro-football-reference.com unless otherwise noted.

LFG for the 7th Ring in 2019!!

Ja’Whaun Bentley: Potential breakout candidate

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The Patriots 2018 draft class could be defined as either a success or failure. On one hand, there were several picks that ended up on IR, including Duke Dawson and Isaiah Wynn. Contrarily, Sony Michel and Keion Crossen both contributed in big ways for most of the season.

Michel very well could have had over 1,000 yards if he was healthy the whole year. Crossen was instrumental on special teams, and was good depth at cornerback. The rest of the rookie class didn’t contribute much of anything, with only Danny Etling and Duke Dawson seeing the practice field.

However, one of the more devastating blows to the 2018 rookie class was linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley.

Coming out of Purdue, Bentley was a fifth round pick and looked to be on the rise after a stellar preseason. As an inside linebacker, he was tasked with taking on covering responsibilities in the open field and handled it extremely well. New England always seems to lack linebackers who can effectively cover running backs, but Bentley was fantastic in limited action.

Ja’Whaun Bentley had a fantastic preseason in 2018, giving the Patriots an easy choice when it came to roster cuts.

He was given an 80.7 grade from Pro Football Focus in the three games he played, which was higher than any other Patriot linebacker by far.

The former Boilermaker had 14 combined tackles and one interception in 2018. The interception came against Detroit, where he perfectly covered tight end Luke Willson and picked off Matthew Stafford. It was textbook coverage against a good tight end, helped by a bad decision by Stafford.

Later on in the Lions game, Bentley made a tackle and came up with a torn biceps. New England later placed him on Injured Reserve, ending his season. It was an ill-timed injury at the time for the Patriots, who were struggling mightily.

Bentley was the lone bright spot for the 1-2 Patriots, as he was progressing quickly for a rookie. At one point, he had the green sticker on his helmet, signalling he was receiving the play calls from Brian Flores. This sticker is usually on Dont’a Hightower’s helmet, so the fact that Bentley had it speaks volumes.

Bentley left the Week 3 Detroit game with a torn biceps, ending his season. He finished the game with an interception, instilling hope for next season.

So with this stellar, yet limited, rookie year, what can be expected out of the fifth round pick in 2019? If we’re looking at the past, linebacker has been the one position that New England has seen steady production in terms of draft picks. Dont’a Hightower, Elandon Roberts, Brandon Spikes, and Jerod Mayo are some examples.

There is precedent for rookie linebackers going on to succeed in New England, but does that mean Bentley will? Obviously time will tell, but it seems like he’s trending the correct way.

He was given the play call helmet for the Patriots games against Jacksonville and Detroit, which is a huge deal. He handled his assignments with great aplomb, covering receivers and tackling well. It also helps he has great veterans like Hightower and Kyle Van Noy to help him in his sophomore year.

Ja’Whaun Bentley could breakout in his second year campaign. If his rookie season was any indication, he has the potential to live up to his number 51, previously donned by Jerod Mayo. Those are big shoes to fill, but he seems to have the attitude and talent to pull it off.

It will be interesting to see how the Patriots view Bentley’s development, because Dont’a Hightower is counting for nearly $11 million against the 2019 cap. Elandon Roberts also had an up and down year, which could make him a cut candidate.

If New England does cut either one of these two, it would say a lot about how they see Bentley in the future.

Patriots Top Three Draft Needs Might Surprise

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Note: Pre-draft scouting reports on potential Patriots are on their way and will be posted regularly as the draft comes even closer.

A stockpile of picks, a bunch of needs, and a much needed injection of youth should make this draft interesting for all Patriots fans.

The most interesting aspect of this whole draft for the Patriots will be the direction they take. Do they aim more for day one contributors that can provide value at a second or third spot on a depth chart? Do they aim more for developmental pieces that may take longer to develop but better the team after the Brady era ends? This decision will greatly dictate how the Patriots draft and who they draft.

Obviously, the more valuable picks are the players that can provide some immediate value and can also continue to get better overtime. Let’s take a look at which positions the Patriots should find themselves emphasizing this year and how high up on the totem pole each one should be.

1. TIGHT END

Iowa’s TJ Hockenson is certainly on the draft board for the Patriots

Look for the Patriots to address tight end extremely early. TJ Hockenson should be their main priority going into the draft, as he can provide short-term and long-term benefits. Player comparisons for TJ span all the way from Dennis Pitta to a baby Gronk.

Adding Hockenson would provide immediate benefit to a team that loves their two tight end sets. He also has an extremely high ceiling that could answer the Patriots potential problems at tight end once Gronk retires.

Hockenson being available at #32 might be a stretch. Which if it so happens that his name gets called before the Patriots selection, plenty of options will still be available at tight end. This tight end loaded class features many potential options, however none as appealing or exciting as TJ.

Gronk will not play forever, therefore the time has come to find his eventual replacement.

2. FRONT SEVEN

Mississippi State’s Jeffery Simmons remains the wild card

Do not let the great play by this group in the playoffs overshadow the regular season and regular seasons prior. This front seven still needs a major revamp.

Linebacker happens to be less of a need than expected, due to the emergence of Van Noy and the glimpse everyone received of Ja’whaun Bentley. Yet, Hightower gets no younger and carries a tremendous cap hit next season. Adrian Clayborn did not live up to his unreasonable expectations and also costs a pretty penny next year. Flowers needs to be resigned to a ground-breaking deal. Shelton and Brown also appear set to at least hit the market, whether they return remains unknown.

Harsh reality here, the Patriots front seven has been inconsistent and has struggled in countless areas. Much turnover looks likely for the group and defensive coaches are leaving this team left and right.

The best strategy would be to draft quality front seven players that fit the ideology of the new incoming coaches. Therefore, the Patriots should bring some much needed youth to a core that needs a new direction.

Keep an eye on Jeffery Simmons, who has his red flags and also just tore his ACL but if he slides enough, the Patriots could potentially snag him on day two. Simmons being a top ten talent in most people’s minds, would certainly be worth the risk if available on day two.

3. OFFENSIVE TACKLE

With the right coaching for Northern Illinois’ Max Scharping, he can be a deadly force in the NFL

Expect the Patriots to at least think about grabbing another offensive tackle to eventually pair with Isaiah Wynn.

The future remains unclear on whether the Patriots will resign Trent Brown but regardless the Patriots will have to choose between either Brown and Wynn or Cannon and Wynn.

Brown will not be cheap to resign and the Patriots will have to take a look at Wynn’s recovery from the Achilles injury that sidelined him this season. Wynn should be ready to go for week one but might see some drawbacks in his game. If Wynn for some reason really does not appear like he should be starting week one, well then, a Greek tragedy arises. A travesty occurs. Shakespeare would call this play Isaiah of Foxboro (Timon of Athens reference).

If Wynn’s health does not seem up to par, that would mean the Patriots would likely have to sign Trent Brown to a huge contract and retain Marcus Cannon’s cap hit as well. Meaning the first round pick would be struggling, the Patriots would pay a king’s ransom, and they would also likely forfeit a potential third round comp pick that they would likely acquire if they let Trent Brown go.

Bottom line is that the Patriots will look at Wynn’s health and likely look to dump either Brown or Cannon. This would inevitably require them to find a tackle that could backup for the meantime and later step into a full role.

The guy to watch out for here is Max Scharping. His draft stock entirely depends on his combine and Pro day. He could end up falling anywhere between rounds one through four depending on his combine and Pro day. Assuming he falls a bit, he would be a perfect developmental player for New England. Max is someone who could end up starting for them for a long time under Scarnecchia’s influence and guidance.

Rookie Jersey Number Prognostication: Part 2

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This is the epic conclusion to the rookie jersey number prognostication. If you missed the first part you can find it here: https://bostonsportsextra.com/new-england-patriots/2018/08/rookie-number-prognostication-part-1

Picking a jersey number is a very important decision in a rookies’ young career. It can mean the difference between Hall of Fame worthy statistics and retiring after only a few years. Below are the Rookie numbers that the latter half of the New England Patriots’ 2018 rookie class chose and how the previous wearer’s career unfolded. Based on the history of the number you can easily see how this will go. So read on and you can forget about any other analysis!

Keion Crossen — No. 35

This number is a veritable who’s who of one hit wonders on the Patriots with a single exception. “Big Jim” Nance wore this number proudly as a hard hitting fullback in the 60’s. Since then it has been filled with running backs that can now be served as answers to trivia questions. Tyler Gaffney, Jonas Gray, Patrick Pass, and Mike Gillislee all wore this number. Even a special teams safety by the name of Ross Ventrone wore it.

Greatness Verdict: He’s got a shot. Given the age and different position of the last great player who wore this number it’s ready for a hero. Crossen could be the guy that ushers in a new age for the No. 34.

Duke Dawson — No. 42

Can former players’ personalities and attributes live on in their numbers? I think so. Ronnie Lippett, BenJarvus Green-Ellis, Mack Herron, and Don Webb. Each wore this number and I’m pretty sure that they are all in the Pat’s dictionary under the word “Grit.” Whether its picking off Dan Marino, being an undersized returner scoring touchdowns or having a cool nickname like “Law Firm.” This number has some star power.

Greatness Verdict: Not Great but close. There is no way that he can’t be a gritty, hard-nosed slot DB while wearing this number. I’m pretty sure he was born holding a lunch pail. I can’t wait for him to grab a roster spot with both hands and keep it for the better part of a decade.

Christian Sam — No. 44

If you’re number 44 for the Patriots you’ve got to have a fantastic name, or at the very least a good name. John Outlaw might be the best name for a DB to have hands down. He would’ve rivaled Deion Sanders had he played in a different day and age. It’s a shame he played his best football as a member of the Eagles starting in ‘73. And there are a load of other good names; White Graves, James Idhegibo, Asante Cleveland, The Don Calhoun and even a Heath Evans. I’m not sure if Christian Sam is going to cut it.

Greatness Verdict: Our second “Not wearing this number.” I like his future but clearly the stars are against him on this one. Not only does the number not have a personality identity, but it also needs a good name for it. Switch it quick!

Ja’Whaun Bentley — No. 51

This number is fascinating. A mix of the pious and the illegal. Don Davis the current New England Patriots chaplain vs. Eugene Lockhart who served 3 years for federal fraud charges. Off the field “star” power and on the field star power. Bob Golic of Saved by the Bell: the College years and a member of the ESPN Golics, and Jerod Mayo, a stalwart captain of the defense for the Patriots.

Greatness Verdict: Slam Dunk! Getting Mayo’s old number will serve this young star well. This number will only help him prove he is more Mayo than Spikes as a linebacker.

Isaiah Wynn — No. 76

Not good. Again a personality trait keeps coming up and it screams underrated. Sebastian Vollmer and Brian Holloway are perfect examples of this. You have one bonafide star in Charley Long playing in a long ago age and plenty of workhorse players; Brandon Gorin, William Roberts, Dave Rowe. Its going to be tough to break that mold and remake the number in today’s age.

Greatness Verdict: 50/50 chance. If Wynn returns from his injury healthy and wins a tackle spot he has a chance to make a name for himself. I’m rooting for the kid and would rather see him live up to his 1st round status and outshine the other big men who wore this number.

Ryan Izzo — No. 85

Not only does this number have a Hall of Fame inductee, it also has a member of the 1985 Super Bowl team. But do to unfortunate events it will forever be known as the number held by one of the most infamous ex-players in the history of the league: Aaron Hernandez. Can Ryan Izzo overcome the checkered past of this number and make it his own?

Greatness Verdict: I just can’t see this happening. He’s got to overcome the stain that the former tight end has casted on this number. If Izzo was a linebacker or lineman I would say that he has a shot.

Thank you for reading and I hoped you enjoyed my humorous take on the numbers that the rookies chose as well as learned a little about the history of some Patriots that have worn them.

All photos courtesy of Getty images unless noted otherwise.

Be sure to check out other great articles for all of your favorite Boston sports teams at Bostonsportsextra.com

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The Case of Ja’Whaun Bentley

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“With the No. 143 pick of the 2018 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots select Ja’Whaun Bentley, ILB, Purdue. He is a 6-foot-2, 260 pounds off-the-ball linebacker who’s considered to some as a contact player.”

Following the Super Bowl, a glaring need for the Patriots was a coverage linebacker. When New England drafted Ja’Whaun Bentley, the NFL community didn’t think as much of it. After all, his draft profile from the NFL.com didn’t show much promise.

“…Bentley has athletic limitations that hinder his effectiveness as an NFL finisher and he’s ill-suited to handle coverage duties against the pass. Bentley lacks ideal speed and reaction time…”

He has been proving this profile wrong as he continues to impress in preseason games. In his debut, he logged six tackles (two for loss) and a quarterback hit in addition to four stops in coverage. This performance earned him a 90.0 PFF grade and a spot in PFF’s Team of the Week Defense.

In his second preseason game against the Philadelphia Eagles, he started over Elandon Roberts and ended the game again with six tackles and more notably returned a fumble back for a touchdown. He also forced incompletions against the likes of Jay Ajayi and Dallas Goedert.

Strip sack! Recovery!

TO THE HOUSE. @Patriots #PHIvsNE https://t.co/uxrXTHeJv9

— NFL (@NFL) August 17, 2018

Bright Future for the Rookie

One of his biggest concerns about Bentley was his speed and coverage skills. He shined in both of these areas in the two preseason games he had played. He has been able to keep up with both tight ends and running backs which is a good sign for the young rookie and a sign of relief for New England fans. Scott Zolak even noted how Bentley looked like a young Jerod Mayo out there, except Mayo was never that fast.

Another important fact of note is that the rookie donned the green dot on his helmet, meaning that he was the one calling plays for the first team defense. The New England staff has a lot of faith in him.

“He’s always been the middle linebacker, the signal caller, the guy right in the middle of the defense,” Bill Belichick said, citing Bentley’s experience as a four-year captain at Purdue. “He does a good job of handling the communication and some of the adjustments that have to be made from the center of the field, which that’s his position; that’s part of it. He’s been able to do that pretty well since he’s come here… He’s got a long way to go, but he’s handled those things well.” (USA Today)

All in all, Ja’Whaun Bentley has been impressing on all cylinders. He’s smart, intuitive, strong, and possesses a huge build. If he continues to play like he has been, Bentley can take over Elandon Roberts’ spot as the starter.