New England Patriots: Top 5 defensive performers of 2018 NFL season
5. Elandon Roberts
Not many would expect Elandon Roberts to be on this list, but after a less than desirable sophomore season with the New England Patriots, Roberts did improve in 2018.
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In fact, he looked like the promising linebacker he was as a rookie in making the team as a late-round pick. A devastating downhill tackler, Roberts became a more all-around linebacker throughout the season.
In a way, he was forced to do so when rookie linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley went down with a season-ending injury, but his growth during the season playing alongside Kyle Van Noy and Dont’a Hightower was undeniable as former Patriots linebackers coach Brian Flores pointed out following an early December victory against the Minnesota Vikings.
"“I think E-Rob has really grown as a player, I would say, this being his third year,” Flores said, as transcribed by NESN. “Obviously, I’ve spent a lot of time with him. This guy, he works extremely hard. I would say nobody studies more film or works harder in practice. I mean, he’s up there with anyone else on the team as far as that’s concerned.”"
Flores also noted how Roberts improved in all areas of the game his game, including defending the pass – an area where all the New England Patriots linebackers have struggled.
In all, the aggressive nature of Elandon Roberts added to his increase in production was one of the reasons the Patriots defense improved. He is a tone setter who should really feed off the season he had as a player.