Patriots: Players who can snag starting jobs after recent string of opt outs

1. Ja’Whaun Bentley (ILB)

If Ja’Whaun Bentley thought the pressure was on for him to impress in Year 3 before Hightower opted out, it’s now amplified tenfold following the Patriots veteran’s shocking decision. The 2018 fifth-round pick was shaping up to be a stud for New England as a rookie, but a biceps injury cut his season short in Week 3. That stunted his development in the team’s system, and he played just 27% of the defensive snaps last year as a result.

Now, however, a door has opened for Bentley to claim the spotlight that Hightower is leaving in his wake. At 23 years old, he’s still incredibly raw, but — unless you count inexperienced rookies — there is legitimately zero depth behind him that he would otherwise have to compete with. In fairness, rookie linebackers Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings will undoubtedly be thrown into the mix earlier than expected, but they have no chance at snagging starting jobs.

If the Purdue product doesn’t take this opportunity and run with it, well, let’s just say that he might not get another shot as golden as this.