In the lead-up to New England Patriots training camp, with the first public practice scheduled for July 26, it is timely to review each position on the roster with our annual "roster locks" series. After highlighting the running backs, wide receivers and defensive ends, let's move on to the linebackers:
Explaining the locks: This is pretty straightforward after the Patriots didn't sign a linebacker in free agency or select a player at the position in the draft until the fifth round (Bentley) and sixth round (Sam).