Training camp is just a few short weeks away and to get ready for it, we will be unveiling a 21 questions about the Patriots series relating to the upcoming season. Be sure to check back almost every day to see a new question.
Who will be the Patriots’ most impactful front-7 defender?
There’s no question the Patriots’ front-7 will be much better than it was a year ago with the returns and additions that were made. But, who will make the biggest impact?
There are a few candidates, including Kyle Van Noy and Matt Judon, but we’re going with Dont’a Hightower.
Sure, there’s some unknown with him taking a year off, but we’re expecting him to come back the same player he was before opting out of the 2020 season. During the spring it looked like he slimmed down a bit, which could help with his athleticism.
With the pass rushers the Patriots have on the roster, it seems like he will play more of a traditional middle linebacker spot. It’s also worth noting when it comes to his impact he’s one of the leaders of the defense that was missed in a big way last year. He will impact things both on the field and off when it comes to his leadership and helping his teammates be in the right spots.
Don’t be surprised if he follows a similar model to the 2019 season where some games early in the year he didn’t play as much as usual to save himself for the more meaningful games down the stretch and into the postseason.
Do you agree? If not, who do you think will make the biggest impact?