With training camp getting closer, several New England Patriots are looking to make a bigger jump in 2021. Several rookies who were getting acclimated to the NFL in 2020 have a chance to really step up in the fall. Seth Galina of Pro Football Focus views linebacker Josh Uche as one of those players.
Uche made a minor impact in 2020, recording nine total tackles and a sack. Heading into his second year, he will have the opportunity to add even more strength and talent to an already deep linebacker unit.
Galina cites Uche’s skills as well as the fact that he has gained trust from Bill Belichick as reasons for a potential breakout season in 2021.
“As Uche acclimated to the NFL, he slowly gained trust from coach Bill Belichick. And in the second half of the season, he finally put it all together,” Galina wrote for ESPN.com.
“Uche has quickness and good hands to detach from offensive linemen on pass plays and good hip movement to get around the corner. From Week 8 — when Uche was awarded his first defensive snaps of the season — until the end of the year, his 77.6 PFF grade ranked second only to Chase Young among rookie edge players. That ranked 16th overall. A full season as a starter could see him put up big numbers.”
New England has a mix of veteran and youth talent at the linebacker position. Another strong season from Uche could provide a glimpse of the future at the position.
Leave a Reply