It’s rare that a player signs with a team in the offseason and has an immediate impact before a meaningful down is played, but it’s happened with Matthew Judon.

In his short time here, Judon has brought an attitude and swagger that has rubbed off on the defense and younger players. Judon has looked like an elite player well worth his big free agent contract and has already earned the respect of one of the most important veterans in the locker room Devin McCourty.

It’s not just for his play on the field either.

“He’s brought good energy,” McCourty said following New England’s 22-20 win in the preseason finale against the Giants. “I think I said it in the spring, maybe, when you have a guy that comes in here, obviously a high paid free agent guy who’s had a lot of success in the league and we get over to that hill, which, you know, guys coming from other teams, they kind of wonder where is (Head Coach) Bill (Belichick) running? Like what are we about to do? And we all had kind of finally got here in minicamp and this guy’s running with the skill, but not just running like ten yards behind – because I’ve seen guys do that and I’m meaning, it’s cool, but you can run another side and lose by 10, 15 yards, but he’s like actually competing, talking trash.

“I think that set the tone for the rest of the team because I’m sure he could tell you, you get to a new team and it’s like how’s this going to work out? He’s kind of come in and just been himself and I think that’s been the best part of it.”

Perhaps just as encouraging as Judon’s obvious impact on the field is the impact he’s made on young guys, in particular Josh Uche. Uche has been a monster in camp, was a wrecking ball early in the game on Sunday night and has been in the hip pocket of Judon throughout the preseason.

“Shoot, probably too much man (laughs). If I keep teaching him, I’m going to be up out of here looking for a new team,” Judon joked when asked how much the rookie has picked his brain. “But I think he’s just progressing and he’s coming into his own player with just how many positions he plays on the football field. We can line him up inside, we can line him up outside, we can line him up off the ball. As he gets more reps, and repetitions and looks, and different schemes and stuff, I think he’s just going to continue to grow and continue to be a good player.”

On Friday, Uche spoke about how much he’s relied on Judon in the very early days of his career.

“I just try to work everyday to kind of emulate and do some things he does to try and get to his level, his status,” Uche said. “It’s definitely great to have a player you aspire to be like on your team and in your room, that way you have someone that kind of lays out the road map of how to go about being a professional.”

Judon has already become a fan favorite and more importantly a locker room leader. Now, it’s showtime.

“They count now for real,” he added. “We are really going to keep a track record of all the games that we play from here on out. I’m not just going to get a couple of snaps and then just watch the whole game. So now, we’ve got to prepare more than ever and make sure we’re ready for any situation and every occasion that arises.”