By John Sarianides

The Patriots added some much needed speed and depth to their linebacking corp this off-season when they drafted outside linebacker Derek Rivers out of Youngstown State and signed veteran inside linebacker David Harris.

Both should make a difference in 2017, especially Harris who brings a wealth of experience to the Patriots defense.

For years, Bill Belichick ignored developing linebackers, instead opting to sign veterans who have experience. That changed when the Patriots drafted Jerod Mayo in 2008. Now Belichick wants to develop young players at both positions that can play in New England for a long time. 

Here is our linebacker preview.

Dont’a Hightower, Alabama, 6-2 262, 6th Season: Hightower will start training camp on the PUP list. When he returns, Hightower will play the SAM linebacker spot. He has played all three linebacker positions in the past five seasons but he will settle on the strong side with David Harris playing in the middle and Rob Ninkovich playing on the weak side. 

Hightower’s versatility is a big reason why the Patriots re-signed him this off-season. He can play all three downs and be effective in any situation. Case in point. His sack that turned around Super Bowl LI.

Hightower isn’t just a leader on the Patriots defense. He is one of the best players on the team.

David Harris, Michigan, 6-2 250, 10th Season: Harris was an absolute steal for the Patriots so late in the process. The one area of concern coming into this season for the Patriots was the middle linebacker or MIKE linebacker spot. Harris fills that void.

The Jets wanted to retain Harris but at a reduced salary. He can still play, maybe not all three downs but he could be a valuable contributor on first and second down. He adds toughness and experience to a Patriots team that has an abundance of both.

Elandon Roberts, Houston, 6-0 235, 2nd Season: Roberts held his own last season but looked a bit lost at times and didn’t seem comfortable playing in the middle. Roberts is better suited to play outside as a WILL linebacker where he has less responsibilities and is allowed to make more plays in space.

With the arrival of David Harris, Roberts will focus more on special teams and playing in situational sub packages. He could thrive in both roles.

Kyle Van Noy, BYU, 6-3 243, 4th Season: The Patriots stole Van Noy from the Lions last season after trading away Jaime Collins. Van Noy proved to be versatile down the stretch and played in all sub packages. 

Van Noy can play as a leveled linebacker and come off the edge on designed pressures. He can also play defensive end in 30 Dime packages and rush the passer. He is a Swiss Army knife of sorts and that’s why Belichick and Patricia like him. 

Shea McClellin, Boise State, 6-3 260, 6th Season: Another hybrid defensive end, outside linebacker who can play all three down and in all sub packages. 

McClellin wasn’t as good as the Patriots thought he would be last season after signing him as a free agent. He didn’t do enough as a pass rusher and he was limited as a space linebacker. The perception is that McClellin is a lock to make the team but he will need a good camp to separate himself from this crowded linebacking corp.

Derek Rivers, Youngstown St. 6-4 250, RK: Rivers will be used in a similar fashion as Rob Ninkovich. He will play weakside linebacker on early downs and short yardage situations and rush the passer on obvious passing downs.

Rivers has the athleticism and first step explosion necessary to be an elite pass rusher but he will need time to get comfortable with the Patriots complex scheme. 

Look for Rivers to be used more as a sub package pass rusher this season. The Patriots are not going to put too much on his plate early on.

Jonathan Freeny, Rutgers, 6-2 250, 6th Season: Freeny has the athleticism to be an effective three down linebacker but injuries have derailed his career thus far. 

Freeny is going to have to have a good camp in order to make the team. The Patriots have enough depth at linebacker that they can move on from him. 

Harvey Langi, BYU, 6-1 250, RK: The Patriots coaching staff really likes Langi’s versatility. He can play the MIKE linebacker spot on early downs and the WILL linebacker spot on long downs. Langi can come off the edge in various pressure packages and get to the quarterback on a consistent basis. 

Langi got $115,000 in guaranteed money to sign so he has a legitimate shot of making the team with a good camp.