New England Patriots: 5 players blazing the way into 2021 NFL season

New England Patriots linebacker Dont’a Hightower, a tower of power

Next on the list, is the returning Dont’a Hightower.

He’s the Patriots’ best front seven player and a team leader. His loss in 2020 to Covid-19 opt-out was a massive blow.

High is back and looks to be in tremendous shape. That’s a big plus. He’s healthy, fresh after a year off, and likely raring to go to get the Patriots back on top.

Hightower is arguably the Patriots most important defensive player, period. Opposing offenses have to game plan for High (as they will for our next trailblazer). Good luck with that.

His return along with the return of another favorite, Kyle Van Noy (one of the most underrated Patriot players), will comprise a monstrous betterment of the second level of the defense.

Hightower’s versatility is key. He can stop the run cold, something New England’s defense in 2020 couldn’t do almost at all.

He can also rush the passer and will make big plays in big games in big moments. He’s a big-time star and every offense will have to account for his whereabouts.

Hightower’s return alone would have been a major boost to the New England Patriots defense but there’s a whole lot more for the AFC East and others to contend with in 2021.