Patriots 53-Man Roster Prediction Ahead of 2024 Training Camp

EDGE defenders - 4 (38/53)

• Matthew Judon
• Keion White
• Josh Uche
• Anfernee Jennings

For my money, the Patriots’ edge position is one of the best on the entire roster. Matthew Judon is an experienced player who is as consistent as they come when he’s healthy and available. Since he got to New England in 2021, Judon is averaging a whopping 14 sacks per 17 games played, as well as 20.7 QB hits per 17 games played.

Unfortunately, he only played in four games last year (and still had 4.0 sacks). If Judon is healthy, he changes the complexion of the entire Patriots defense. And New England has fun young players to go along with him. It was a little shocking to see both Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings brought back in free agency on reasonable deals, and we should see former second-round pick Keion White have an expanded role this year.

Linebacker - 4 (42/53)

• Ja'Whaun Bentley
• Jahlani Tavai
• Sione Takitaki
• Raekwon McMillan

Being a former linebacker himself, you know head coach Jerod Mayo is going to take a particular interest in this position group. Mayo knows how to play this position at an elite level, and he’s going to demand a lot out of his guys at off-ball linebacker.

And the Patriots have a really good group of guys here. Ja’Whaun Bentley and Jahlani Tavai combined for 224 total tackles and 10 tackles for loss last season. Bentley has developed into one of the more dangerous blitzing off-ball linebackers in the NFL and proved it last season with 12 QB hits and 4.5 sacks.

The Patriots have good starters and good depth at this position group.