Chandler Jones, Dont’a Hightower eye starting roles – NFL.com

With all those draft picks it was just a matter of time before the tide turned for the Pats. Mayo, McCourty and Chung were the first big pieces to be filled, now if Hightower and Jones can solidify the two most important remaining spots (along with Wilfork already) there’s no young defense out there that is more talented and promising.

This young Patriots defense provides more talent and potential for long-term growth than the unit has enjoyed since 2005. The Patriots have often fielded an uneven defense too reliant on Belichick’s game plans with stop-gap veterans and roster filler complementing a few stars like Vince Wilfork, Jerod Mayo, and Rodney Harrison or Asante Samuel back in the day. Jones and Hightower aim to be this Patriots generation’s McGinest and Bruschi. The rookies won’t have to wait long to get their chance.