6 rings: who is Patriots 'non-qb mvp' heading into 2023?
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler has become well known in and around the Patriots rumor mill this offseason. The veteran NFL writer has been plugged into both the DeAndre Hopkins and Dalvin Cook camps, and has been dropping hints and nuggets every so often relating to the veterans' free agency campaigns.
When Fowler talks, Patriots fans listen.
As it turns out, he isn’t known for just scoops. Fowler has also been sniffing around league circles this offseason surveying executives, coaches, scouts, and players to rank the top 10 players at each position.
On Monday, the edge rusher rankings were released - with New England Patriots linebacker Matthew Judon coming in at number eight:
“Evaluators long saw Judon as a gifted player who underachieved a bit in Baltimore, where he averaged 6.9 sacks per season over five years.
But since pairing with coach Bill Belichick in New England, he's been one of the game's most productive edge rushers, with 28 sacks since 2021. Judon also had seven pass breakups last year.
"He has the ideal traits -- now he has the elite production to match," an NFL coordinator said.
Voters lauded Judon's versatility, with one noting a game vs. Pittsburgh where he chased down an adequately fast Mitch Trubisky in the open field for a sack and also broke up a pass deep in coverage.
"He's more craftiness and nuance -- not as high level of a player as some of the others at the top," an NFL scout said.”
Judon was ranked behind the following at the position:
7. Brian Burns, Carolina Panthers
6. Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders
5. Hassan Reddick, Philadelphia Eagles
4. TJ Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers
3. Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys
2. Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns
1. Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers
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Just last week, Judon was named the Patriots’ “non-QB MVP” by NFL Network’s Eric Eldholm. The eighth-year pro, who is coming off of two consecutive Pro Bowl appearances for New England, has tallied 120 total tackles, and 28 sacks during his time in Foxborough. He's a staple in the edge rusher conversation.
But where's his bookend, Josh Uche?
Judon’s presence helped Uche have his best professional season in 2022. As I mentioned last week, the third-year pro out of Michigan notched career highs in sacks (11.5), tackles (27), and forced fumbles (2) last season. It was odd to see him not included in Fowler's list.
I understand he maybe shouldn't crack the top ten, but Uche was 12th in the NFL in sacks in 2023 - ahead of everyone on Fowler's honorable mentions list. He didn’t even receive a vote.
The league is sleeping on Josh Uche, and they better wake up fast - especially as he enters a contract year.
Make sure to follow Mike on Twitter @mikekadlick, and follow @WEEI for the latest up-to-date Patriots and Boston sports news!
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