Bill Belichick shows love for a LB that’s a dark horse to take a big role in 2022
New England Patriots linebacker Raekwon McMillan is off to a good start as training camp practices begin. Coach Bill Belichick has given McMillan his seal of approval.
The Patriots activated McMillan off the PUP list on Tuesday, close to a year after suffering a torn ACL in practice. He suffered the injury last August, and signed a one-year contract extension through the 2022 season last September.
McMillan looks to make an impact for the Patriots after most recently playing for the Las Vegas Raiders in 2020. He recorded 27 tackles that year in addition to a forced fumble.
Now, he is trying to work his way back, as the Patriots look to find an identity in the linebacker room. So far, his work ethic has stood out, as Belichick noted to reporters on Wednesday.
“Raekwon works really hard, really smart player, has experience, understands a lot at the linebacker position,’”Belichick told reporters during a press conference on Wednesday. “Obviously there’s a lot going on there, but he handles things well. Signal caller, multiple-position player. It’s good to see him back out there. He looks like he’s recovered very well and based on what we saw in the spring and limited looks here this first week, I’d say he’s doing very well.”
McMillan could be a key contributor to a Patriots linebacker room in search of veteran leadership. His progression and health could be storylines to watch, as New England shifts its identity to a youth movement on defense. Veteran depth could be important at the position, as young players like Ronnie Perkins and Cam McGrone continue to develop.
