10 NFL rookies who improved their stock in Week 1 of preseason
By Ian Wharton
3. Ja’Whaun Bentley, LB, New England Patriots
The linebacker position degraded last year to a level that hasn’t been seen in New England in a long time. Dont’a Hightower’s injury left the team devoid of any impactful talent, so the Patriots drafted both Ja’Whaun Bentley and Christian Sam in hopes they’d provide capable depth. Bentley’s six tackles against Washington and comfort flying around the field has put him in the mix to become much more than depth this year.
Bentley was ultra-productive at Purdue, totaling 272 tackles and 29.5 tackles for loss in four years. Still, he wasn’t invited to the combine despite his credentials. That’s looking like a mistake, as Bentley already earned the right to rely defensive play calls, per Tyler Sullivan of 247sports.
His play was impactful enough for Bentley to earn snaps with the starters on Sunday’s practice, per Mike Reiss of ESPN. Incumbent Elandon Roberts has been productive but has similar physical limitations of coverage, meaning that any slip that Roberts has can lead to Bentley finding more playing time instead. Bentley is more instinctive by nature than Roberts, so don’t be surprised if he continues to create quality tape.