Projecting young New England Patriots who will step up as starters in 2020

The Patriots drafted both Uche and Anfernee Jennings on Day 2 of the 2020 draft, but Uche’s athletic ability makes him more equipped to start alongside Ja’Whaun Bentley in New England’s base nickel defense, as Jennings is more of a designated pass rusher at this point in his career. While the Patriots did lose Kyle Van Noy, they drafted almost an exact clone in Uche, as his ability to put his hand in the dirt and rush the passer mixed in with his skill at dropping back into coverage makes it appear as if he was created in a lab to play linebacker for Belichick.

Uche never was the most productive player at Michigan, but that was likely the result of Don Brown and the coaching staff trying to plug a square peg like Uche into various round holes. Belichick, ever the innovator and defensive wizard, will likely be able to deploy Uche in a role better suited to his athletic skillset. If Uche and fellow Michigan man Chase Minovich emerge as studs this year, the Patriots defense might be able to continue pulverizing opponents without memorable names like Hightower in the lineup.