Under head coach Bill Belichick, the New England Patriots placed a high value on the off-the-ball linebacker position. Whether it was the likes of Tedy Bruschi, Jerod Mayo, or Dont’a Hightower, the second level of the defense was consistently in good hands over the past two decades and a vital part of the unit’s overall success.
Even with Mayo taking over as HC, little is expected to change in that regard (and not just because Mayo is a former ‘backer himself). Looking at the current personnel, it is not hard to see why New England would feel confident in continuing putting a lot on its linebackers’ plate.