Michigan Football: Wolverines standing out in NFL mini-camps

Josh Uche building towards a breakout season

It is not all about offense here as Patriots EDGE Josh Uche has also had an impressive offseason thus far.

The path to playing time is not as clear for Uche as some of his former teammates I’ve mentioned. The Patriots signed Kyle Van Noy and Matt Judon in free agency, get Dont’a Hightower back from opting out and have Raekwon McMillan and Jawhaun Bentley at linebacker.

However, at the EDGE spots, the path is more clear.

Former Wolverine Chase Winovich had 5.5 sacks last year and Judon has 34.5 sacks in his first years, however outside of those two, the Patriots pass rush could use more punch.

That’s where Uche specializes. Uche was limited to nine games last season because of a foot injury, but in his limited 178 snaps, Pro Football Focus ranked him as the second-best rookie pass rusher just behind Chase Young.

Uche has the luxury of playing for one of the greatest defensive minds ever in Patriots head coach Bill Belichick and he will put Uche in a position to succeed. In a larger role, Uche will get the chance to show the elite pass rusher he can be in the NFL.