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Patriots Training Camp Storylines

By Kirk von Kreisler

Jun 7, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Ball boys prepare balls for New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7), quarterback Tom Brady (12) and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during mini camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 7, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; Ball boys prepare balls for New England Patriots quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7), quarterback Tom Brady (12) and quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) during mini camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich (50) during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Rob Ninkovich (50) during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Competition for the Third Linebacker Spot

Patriots linebackers Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins have earned the right to be compared to the best linebackers in the league. The Patriots’ defense is full of rare talent, and Hightower and Collins headline the defense. Even though the Patriots have arguably the best linebacker duo in the NFL, the depth at the position is worrisome. It may not be a major problem due to the fact that the Patriots’ base defense is a 4-2, but a reliable third linebacker in certain subpackages is important to preserve strength in the middle of the field.

The favorite to land the third linebacker spot is newly acquired LB/DE Shea McClellin. The former first-round pick came into the league as an edge rusher, but changed to an off-the-ball linebacker for the past two seasons. After struggling with the Chicago Bears, McClellin brings his versatility to the creative defensive coordinator Matt Patricia. McClellin is projected to play all over the field, but he makes the most sense to provide quality reps as the third linebacker in subpackages.

One of the most interesting storylines of OTAs was longtime Patriot defensive end Rob Ninkovich learning and earning reps at middle linebacker. Ninkovich is praised for his football IQ and his ability to set the edge, yet with depth at defensive end, it’s not unlikely to see the 32-year-old move around a bit. Also, don’t rule out Jonathan Freeny to appear as the third linebacker. Freeny, the former core special teams player, earned substantial playing time at the position following Jerod Mayo’s injury, and even though it was uninspiring, more experience may lead to better play.

Next: Extensions for Star Defenders?

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