Locks: Matthew Judon, Ja’Whaun Bentley, Jahlani Tavai, Joshua Uche, Anfernee Jennings, Sione Takitaki
In the Mix: Jontrey Hunter, John Morgan, Steele Chambers
The second level of the Patriots defense, including the standing edge players, will have a familiar feel, highlighted by the return of Matthew Judon, the team's top edge rusher who was limited to just four games in 2023, the first time in his eight-year career he's played less than 14 games in a season.
Judon's presence is vital, but after receiving a contract tweak last summer, signs are pointing toward the almost 32-year-old Judon looking for a new deal, which could be a possible sticking point as training camp arrives.
He'll be joined by two known commodities in the newly resigned Anfernee Jennings (three-year deal) and Joshua Uche (one-year deal). Judon's injury opened the door for Jennings to have a breakout season as his snaps skyrocketed to over two-thirds of the defensive snaps while logging an eye-popping 24 stops. Jennings is a rock-solid early-down presence and should not see his role much diminished even with Judon's return.
Uche was a different story, seeing his sack totals dip from 11.5 in 2022 to just three in 2023. Uche was a surprising re-signing on a one-year deal and will aim for his production from two seasons ago to help him land a more lucrative long-term deal in 2025. Uche remains an athletic rusher and with Judon and Barmore drawing heavy blocking attention, a resurgence from Uche seems very possible.
Behind the top trio along the edges, there isn't much proven depth, as they'll rely on the versatile off-the-ball inside 'backers to help out in that regard. However, Oshane Ximines is one veteran name who saw time in the spring around the top unit. A five-year veteran, Ximines has a collection of nine starts with the Giants and has 6.5 sacks during his five-year career. He could be a training camp dark horse, especially if there are any issues with Judon, Uche or Jennings.
With Ja'Whaun Bentley and Jahlani Tavai back, there will be good continuity inside as well. Tavai has the most productive year of his career in 2023 with two interceptions, two forced fumbles, a sack and 110 total tackles, and earned a three-year contract extension earlier this summer. He was limited in the spring and will be one player to watch for at the opening of training camp.
Bentley was the main man in the middle once again, completing another productive season posting highs for passes defensed, sacks and QB hits while tying his career best in tackles-for-loss. He also played a career-high 91 percent of the defensive snaps, fully emerging as an every-down linebacker and one of the toughest and most physical players in the NFL.
Behind the top duo there's some interesting depth to consider, including free agent signing Sione Takitaki, who possesses some of the inside-outside versatility that Tavai has. While Takitaki should have a big role on special teams, he has plenty of experience on defense and could find himself some rotational snaps.
"It's been great having Takitaki here," said Mayo in the spring. "I've actually watched him the last two years. It was always that, 'Man, this is a good guy to have.' He's good to be around. He understands the defense, the X's and O's."
Raekwon McMillan is projected to return from his second season-ending injury in three seasons with the Patriots and looked like he was right back in the mix during the spring. He was a role player in 2022 for the defense, playing 64 percent of the special teams snaps and just 23 percent of the defensive snaps. Following Mack Wilson's departure, Takitaki and McMillan should be the primary players expected to step into the various roles he held on defense and special teams.
Christian Ellis and Joe Giles-Harris were also heavily involved this spring and should also have a roster route through special teams. But they'll be contending with a trio of undrafted rookies in Steele Chambers, Jontrey Hunter and John Morgan, all of whom will have an opportunity to emerge.
With a former linebacker as head coach, it shouldn't be surprising to see it as one of the positions of strength on the roster. The top five players across four potential linebacker positions are all high-level NFL performers and they should be among the team's biggest playmakers this season. If all stay healthy, they should be among the league's best.
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