Patriots: One surprising player who could make roster in 2021

The New England Patriots are blessed with one of the most balanced rosters in the league following their free agent splurge and dominant showing in the NFL Draft.

While that should ultimately see them return to the playoffs after they failed to qualify for the first time in 12 years last season, it also means Bill Belichick and Co. will have to make some ruthless decisions when the time comes to trim the roster.

Sorry, folks. Just how it works.

In other words, fans shouldn’t be surprised if one or two players who seem poised to assume a significant role in 2021 come up short in making the final roster.

On the flip side, however, we could also see a player who most analysts surmised would get cut, make the team.

In our eyes, linebacker Terez Hall could fit into the latter category.

Could linebacker Terez Hall make the Patriots’ 2021 roster?

ESPN insider Mike Reiss is reporting that Hall is recovering from offseason ankle surgery and hasn’t participated in spring practices as a result, which is really unfortunate given the impact he had on the Patriots’ defense last year after he was promoted form the practice squad.

That obviously hurts the 24-year-old’s chances of making the final roster, but surely Belichick hasn’t forgotten about his contributions from last season, right? In eight games (four starts) he  compiled 50 tackles, two passes defended and just six missed tackles. That’s pretty darn impressive for a player who had no prior NFL experience, no?

Hall brought a physicality in the middle of the defense that New England was sorely lacking without Dont’a Hightower, who opted out last season. Though Hightower is expected to return amid speculation that he was pondering retirement, by no means should his presence mean the end of the road for Hall in terms of his chances to make the team.

The only question is, who gets axed in favor of Hall? The Patriots are likely to carry just four  linebackers on the 53-man roster (not including OLBs). With one of those spots designated for Hightower, fans should expect the likes of Hall, Anfernee Jennings, Ja’Whaun Bentley and Raekown McMillan to slug it out for the final three spots.

Though it remains to be seen who has the edge in that group — reports from OTAs suggest McMillan has been getting some run as the starter without Hightower — fans shouldn’t be surprised if Hall makes a late push and edges out one of Jennings or Bentley.

Again, that will be contingent on the Missouri product getting healthy in time to remind the coaching staff of what he brings to the table. As long as Hall’s able to do that, we can definitely picture a scenario where he’s a part of the Patriots’ linebacker rotation in 2021.

2020 has proven Ja’Whaun Bentley is not the answer for Pats linebacking corps

This season has proven that New England Patriots' third-year pro Ja'Whaun Bentley is not the answer for the linebacking corps.