Over the last few decades, the Patriots had a prototype when it came to their linebacker position.
Under Bill Belichick and Jerod Mayo, bigger, stronger players manned the linebacker position. For example, Ja’Whaun Bentley and Jahlani Tavai both weigh at least 250 pounds. When it comes to Mike Vrabel’s defense, however, that’s not the case.
In Tennessee, Vrabel’s linebackers were smaller and more athletic. In Vrabel’s last year, his Titans linebackers were Jack Giddens (6-2, 242 pounds) and Azeez Al-Shaair (6-2, 228 pounds). Other smaller linebackers such as Rashaan Evans (232 pounds) and David Long (225 pounds) also played for Vrabel in Tennessee.