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New England Patriots: 5 Breakout candidates to watch in 2021

By Bob Blackwood

FOXBOROUGH, MA - JUNE 16: Devin McCourty #32, Deatrich Wise Jr. #91, and Lawrence Guy #93 of the New England Patriots walk onto the field at the New England Patriots practice facility for mandatory minicamp on June 16, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - JUNE 16: Devin McCourty #32, Deatrich Wise Jr. #91, and Lawrence Guy #93 of the New England Patriots walk onto the field at the New England Patriots practice facility for mandatory minicamp on June 16, 2021 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Kathryn Riley/Getty Images) /
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FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 29: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals scrambles against Josh Uche #53 of the New England Patriots during the second quarter of the game at Gillette Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MASSACHUSETTS – NOVEMBER 29: Kyler Murray #1 of the Arizona Cardinals scrambles against Josh Uche #53 of the New England Patriots during the second quarter of the game at Gillette Stadium on November 29, 2020 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /

4. Adrian Phillips, DB

Adrian Phillips was solid in his first season with the Patriots. Phillips started all 16 games during the season and amassed 109 total tackles. However, due to the team’s lack of options at linebacker in 2020, Phillips was often asked to play more of an off-ball linebacker role than he should have.

This season with the additions of Matt Judon and resigning of Kyle Van Noy, Phillips should be able to play more of a safety role while only being asked to play in the box when the matchup dictates it. Phillips has the ability to be used all over the Patriots’ defensive scheme. As long as he isn’t forced to be overmatched at linebacker again, we should see even more playmaking ability from him during the upcoming season.

3. Josh Uche, LB

Josh Uche was eased into the NFL during his rookie season last year. Injuries played a part in this, but he also came into the league a bit raw. By the end of the season, Uche showed some flashes of what the Patriots could look forward to in the future from the second-round pick.

Uche only had one sack last season, but also seven quarterback knockdowns and 10 pressures. These are stats that the Patriots put just as much importance on as the actual sack statistic.

This season Uche has a chance to not only wreak havoc as a pass rusher but also work become a more consistent contributor on all three downs. His physical gifts surpass that of any other linebacker or edge player that the Patriots have on the roster. With the additions of linebackers who were not on the roster last season, the Patriots have the ability to utilize Uche in situations and matchups that he can dominate and play best to his athletic abilities.

Many reports have Uche shining during OTAs and the recent minicamp. If he can bring that momentum into the season, he could be the difference-maker for the defense.

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