The New England Patriots are expected to have one of the best defenses in the league after a strong 2023 campaign on that side of the ball.
They'll also get back some key injured players like edge rusher Matthew Judon, who suffered a torn biceps last season that cost him most of the year.
But, is Judon still one of the best players at his position?
Pro Football Focus has been ranking players at each position heading into the 2024 season, including the top 32 edge rushers. PFF's Trevor Sikkema ranked Judon at No. 26 for the upcoming year.
Here's what he had to say about Judon:
"Judon missed most of the 2023 season with a biceps injury but still managed to record an overall grade above 70.0. However, his 61.4 pass-rush grade was his lowest since 2017, as was his 8.5% pass-rush win rate. He’s a smart, reliable veteran, but the 31-year-old's ceiling may be declining."
And, here are all of the edge rushers that Sikkema had in front of Judon:
- Myles Garrett, Cleveland Browns
- Micah Parsons, Dallas Cowboys
- Nick Bosa, San Francisco 49ers
- T.J. Watt, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Maxx Crosby, Las Vegas Raiders
- Aidan Hutchinson, Detroit Lions
- Khalil Mack, Los Angeles Chargers
- Josh Allen, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Trey Hendrickson, Cincinnati Bengals
- Jaelan Phillips, Miami Dolphins
- Rashan Gary, Green Bay Packers
- DeMarcus Lawrence, Dallas Cowboys
- Joey Bosa, Los Angeles Chargers
- Bryce Huff, Philadelphia Eagles
- Bradley Chubb, Miami Dolphins
- Danielle Hunter, Houston Texans
- Za'Darius Smith, Cleveland Browns
- Haason Reddick, New York Jets
- Alex Highsmith, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Will Anderson Jr., Houston Texans
- Brian Burns, New York Giants
- Montez Sweat, Chicago Bears
- Brandon Graham, Philadelphia Eagles
- Andrew Van Ginkel, Minnesota Vikings
- Gregory Rousseau, Buffalo Bills
Judon's win rate may have been low, but he still recorded four sacks in his four games. If he continued that pace, it would've been a fantastic season.
The biceps shouldn't be much of an issue in 2024, but his technique should still allow him to be an above-average pass rusher at 32 years old.
