The New England Patriots defense looked like it was in need of speed in the early weeks of the season, and yet their rookies sat on the sideline or on injured reserve. Safety Kyle Dugger and linebackers Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings were nowhere to be found despite the Patriots picking them in the top three rounds of the 2020 draft.
Dugger, a second round pick, has made major inroads as a safety and outside linebacker to the point where he took 73% of defensive snaps in Week 12. Uche, who spent more time on IR, got 22% against the Cardinals.