Linebackers – New England Football Journal®

Patriots hire Dont’a Hightower as linebackers coach

February 10, 2024

Jerod Mayo has hired a familiar face on the defensive side of the ball. Former Patriots two-time pro bowler and three-time Super Bowl champion Dont’a Hightower is back as linebackers coach. Hightower was a 2012 first round draft pick of the Patriots out of Alabama. He played ten seasons with the Patriots. Mayo spoke last spring about Hightower’s coaching potential. “I think Hightower would be a phenomenal coach,” Mayo told…

Patriots Draft: Need #5-Linebacker/EDGE

April 21, 2023

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The Patriots like to play multiple fronts on defense but one thing is for sure, they like their linebackers especially off-ball linebackers who can play multiple roles within their defense. The 2023 draft class has several intriguing off the ball and edge defenders who fit the Patriots scheme to a tee. Here are 15 linebackers and edge players who could be on the Patriots radar and are possible fits. Nolan……

Patriots: Patriots New Linebacker Group Will Face a Major Test on Sunday

September 22, 2022

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When the Patriots got smoked by the Bills in the playoffs last year one thing was painfully obvious: their linebackers were too slow. The team proceeded to overhaul the unit in the offseason. Super Bowl heroes Dont’a Hightower and Kyle Van Noy were not brought back, Mack Wilson was acquired from Cleveland and Raekwon McMillan was given a bigger role. Jahlani Tavai has also been given a large role and…

Patriots Draft: Need #3: Linebacker

April 26, 2022

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The Patriots have addressed Linebacker this off-season adding Mack Wilson in a trade for Chase Winovich and re-signing J’Whaun Bentley. Veteran Raekwon McMillan and second year linebacker Cameron McGone are also in the mix as well. Third year linebackers Anfernee Jennings and Josh Uche can play off the ball as well. Despite that, the Patriots need to address the position. A linebacker who can play all three downs and have……