New England Patriots Mailbag — Offensive line a concern – ESPN Boston

In terms of a ranking, this is how I’d break down the linebackers:

Starters: Jerod Mayo (weakside), Brandon Spikes (middle), Dont’a Hightower (strongside)

Backups: Bobby Carpenter (weakside), Hightower (middle), Rob Ninkovich (strongside)

Sub: Mayo, Hightower, Carpenter, Tarpinian

Special teams: Niko Koutouvides, Tracy White

Others: Mike Rivera (potential middle/strong option), Aaron Lavarias

I find it interesting that Reiss has Hightower over Carpenter. Not that I disagree but this would be an interesting development for Hightower. I guess I’m just not sold yet that Hightower is ready to step in like that.