Talent can only take you so far in the NFL.
The New England Patriots might not rely on pure skill as much as other teams because they seek out intelligent players who will learn the entire defense rather than just their own position.
At least, that’s what linebacker Brandon Copeland, an offseason free-agent addition, has noticed in his first week of training camp.
“Guys can play in different positions,” Copeland said Thursday on a video conference call. “But it’s also just an understanding. Being any player on this defense, you know what everyone else is doing around you.