Patriots count on lift at linebacker starting in 2021 with Cameron McGrone – New England Patriots Blog

FOXBOROUGH, Mass. A 21-day stretch of behind-the-scenes work could determine the outcome of the final season. New England PatriotsThis year, they did the right evaluation of their linebacker position.

Cameron McGroneThe positive outlook that resulted from's injury recovery and three-week practice stint (Nov. 23 to Dec. 14, 2009) was a sign of optimism.

Steve Belichick (defensive's primary playcaller, and one of the Patriots linebackers coaches) said “It was thrilling to have him on field last year for these couple weeks.”

“One thing that I noticed was that all the other players on the field had been playing football for months and that he had just come off a year without playing football. He looked right at home on the field. It was amazing.

McGrone was selected by the Patriots in the fifth round of 2021's draft from Michigan. He was still recovering from a torn left anterior cruciate ligament injury. McGrone is now fully healthy, as he was cleared for practice on November 23.

McGrone was relegated to IR following his three-week practice period. This was partly because there wasn't a spot on the roster for him with veteran players such as Dont'a Hightower, Jamie Collins, Ja'Whaun BentleyAnd Kyle Van NoyHe is ahead on the depth chart.

The 6-foot-1, 236-pound McGrone is one of the Patriots' intriguing-but-unproven players as the unit looks to recover from a lackluster finish to the 2021 season that included, among other things, the inability to force the Buffalo BillsTo punt in New England's two last games against them.

He could he be a great starter in the middle. Are they more sub-package options? Maybe he's more of a special-teamer that adds depth and defense to the team?

Matt Groh, director of player personnel, said that McGrone was “kind of an extra draft pick” because the Patriots did not select any linebackers during the 2022 draft. Groh added that injecting the soon-to-be-22-year-old McGrone into the mix contributes to the goal of becoming younger and faster.

Steve Belichick stated, “He plays fast. He has good speed. And he showed some good instincts in practice.” “He looked like everyone else out there.”

Jerod Mayo, another linebackers coach, added: “What was clear to me last year was that he could fly around and make many plays in the pass and run games.” We'll see how it turns out, but at the end, we expect him help the team. [linebacker] room.”

McGrone was a three year letterman at Michigan. He appeared in 19 games with 15 starts as middle linebacker. McGrone accumulated 92 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one pass defense during his college career.

Bill Belichick, the Patriots' head coach, noted that he had been a linebacker when he was selected 177th overall. Devin Bush (the No. The Steelers selected him as the No. He's been a good player with a great defense. … He is going to be an excellent player.”

McGrone and Bentley (a former starter, run-first defender), join the trade acquisition Mack Wilson2021 Returnees Raekwon McMillan(Recovering from a torn left anterior cruciate ligament) Jahlani TavaiAnd Harvey LangiAt a newly revamped position as an inside linebacker.

“Cam did an amazing job keeping his attention in the classroom even though he couldn’t go out on the field. [last year]. Mayo stated, “This year, I would think he's healthy. Back out here running, he looks great and he's also picking-up the defense.”

“But it is one thing to be able to look good right here in shorts. This must be carried into training camp and the season.”