In the span of a few hours, the Patriots lost two members of their linebacking core as Kyle Van Noy (four-year deal with Dolphins) and Jamie Collins (three-year deal with Lions) are on the move.<\/p>\n
[arve url=”https:\/\/youtu.be\/TZZBztlyXns” \/]<\/p>\n
Van Noy started his NFL career as an inside linebacker, but the Patriots moved him to outside linebacker this past season on 89 percent of his snaps.<\/p>\n
With the role change, Van Noy set career-highs in sacks (6.5), quarterback pressures (60), and PFF grade (84.2), ranking 16th at his position, flourishing as a hybrid edge defender.<\/p>\n
Along with his on-field contributions, Van Noy became a leader in the Patriots\u2019 locker room with his infectious personality while defending his teammates publicly to doubters in the media.<\/p>\n
And head coach Bill Belichick praised Van Noy for his instincts and knowledge of the scheme.<\/p>\n
In his four seasons in New England, Van Noy made excellent contributions to the team on and off the field, and it will take some adjusting to replace him next season.<\/p>\n
As for Collins, the Patriots brought him back for a second stint on a veterans minimum contract and got six games of elite play to start the season. His play dipped down the stretch, but the reunion was an overall success.<\/p>\n
The Patriots will likely receive two third-round compensatory selection in the 2021 draft from Van Noy and Collins’s departure, and already have their replacements on the roster, a Bill Belichick special.<\/p>\n
The comp picks won\u2019t help New England in 2020, but they did make a preemptive draft choice a year ago in second-year linebacker Chase Winovich, who will likely see an uptick in snaps next season in Van Noy’s role.<\/p>\n
Along with Winovich, the Patriots have veteran John Simon under contract, who often manned the edge opposite Van Noy on early downs with Winovich substituting on passing plays.<\/p>\n
As for Collins, the Patriots expect significant contributions from third-year linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley, and the draft offers another avenue to rebuild the depth chart.<\/p>\n
https:\/\/twitter.com\/MichaelKistNFL\/status\/1233784753750511620?s=20<\/p>\n
Edge defender and off-ball linebacker become potential needs, and we should all expect to see Wisconsin linebacker Zach Baun mocked to the Pats often, whose game resembles Van Noy\u2019s quite a bit.<\/p>\n
\n#LSU<\/a> LB Patrick Queen\u2019s film is so much fun to watch. He\u2019s special with being able to diagnose plays by following pulling blockers, which take him to ball locations. <\/p>\n
This is a 1st-round LB. pic.twitter.com\/SH8lcqdtGa<\/a><\/p>\n
— Jordan Reid (@Jordan_Reid) February 4, 2020<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n