Matt Judon is a two-time Pro Bowler and the centerpiece addition on the defensive side of the ball in New England’s aggressive spring rebuild in free agency.
Once upon a time, Judon entered the NFL as a fifth-round pick of the Ravens out of Grand Valley State. Now, he’s a star defender on Bill Belichick’s hope-filled defense.
This summer, Judon’s already brought a pretty unique energy to the unit. Whether on the daily training camp practice field or in preseason game action, Judon has a bounce in a his step and a smile on his face seemingly at all times.
“I just like to have fun with the game,” Judon acknowledged after Tuesday’s training camp workout. “If you don’t, the days can get long. It can get boring. Then it becomes a ‘I have to’ mentality instead of an ‘I get to.’ I get to come out here on a day-to-day basis and play. [Former Ravens and Panthers wide receiver] Steve Smith used to say we get to play a kids’ game for a kings’ ransom. So I take that and that’s what I get to do on a day-to-day basis.”
Given his four-year, $56 million contract that includes $32 million guaranteed, Judon will be expected to bring more than energy to New England, though. He’s already shown the ability to cover, stop the run and get after opposing quarterbacks in limited preseason playing time. This, all while he’s learning a new scheme and where he fits in with a new crew of teammates.
“I’m just getting a lot more comfortable with every rep I take. For me, we dive into a lot of stuff in meetings. You have to come out here and make mistakes to learn,” Judon said. “I think that’s what Coach [Jerod] Mayo and Coach Steve [Belichick] have been good at. They’re letting me make mistakes and go correct it. Then High (Dont’a Hightower) and Bent (Ja’Whaun Bentley) all correct me on the field. So now I’m getting comfortable knowing what I’m doing and I think as a defense we’re playing a lot faster that we were when we first got out here.”
While Judon would best be described as an “edge” player, he certainly doesn’t care to be pigeonholed into a certain role. He jokes about being able to play any position, but there is some truth to his confidence.
“Man, I think they’re going to have me at safety, man, one of these days. As you get older and you age you go to safety. They might put me at running back a couple times,” Judon said with a big smile. “I’m just kidding. Like I’ve said, wherever I’m needed then that’s where I’m going to play. Wherever the coach tells me to play. I just want to learn everything in the playbook so wherever they have to play me – whether that’s injury or want to – that I can play it and I can go out there and do my job and execute.”
While Judon’s exact role will likely be varied and evolve over the course of the season, there is little doubt he’s expected to be a big part of a big rebound for the New England defense this fall. If that comes to fruition, Judon will likely be a major reason for the success thanks to his ability and his energy.
Because in case you couldn’t tell just from watching practice and game action, Judon really is enjoying the early stages of his life in New England.
“I’m just excited to be in this defense,” Judon concluded.