With free agents Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins still unaccounted for, and with Kyle Van Noy released in a cost-cutting move, the New England Patriots appear to be in the process of rebuilding their linebacker corps. With the game changing and an ever greater emphasis on the passing game, a different type of player is emerging — one that is smaller than those three and therefore more flexible versus the pass.
The Patriots have some candidates already on their roster to play such a role. Mack Wilson was acquired via trade earlier in the offseason, while Raekwon McMillan and Cameron McGrone have the skillset to carve out roles as nickel linebackers as well.