Patriots' 'Crafty' Matthew Judon Rank Among 'Most Productive Edge Rushers'

Over two seasons for the New England Patriots, edge rusher Matthew Judon has totaled 28 sacks, 120 tackles and been named a back-to-back Pro Bowler.

In recent years, the value of a dominant edge rusher has skyrocketed in the NFL. And the New England Patriots undoubtedly have one of the league's best in Matthew Judon. 

After making back-to-back Pro Bowl appearances on the Baltimore Ravens, Judon signed a four-year $56 million contract with New England in 2021. And since landing in Foxborough, the former fifth-round pick has elevated his production, racking up 15.5 sacks while finishing ninth in Defensive Player of the Year voting last season. 

Now entering his eighth year, Judon was slotted as the No. 8 edge in a survey conducted by ESPN with results from over 80 league executives, coaches, scouts and players. 

"Since pairing with coach Bill Belichick in New England, he's been one of the game's most productive edge rushers, with 28 sacks since 2021," ESPN writes. "Judon also had seven pass breakups last year.

"He has the ideal traits -- now he has the elite production to match," an NFL coordinator said.

Ranking just above Buffalo Bills' Von Miller and below the Carolina Panthers' Brian Burns, Judon received one vote as highly as third, but was also left at least one voters ballot. 

"Voters lauded Judon's versatility, with one noting a game vs. Pittsburgh where he chased down ... Mitch Trubisky in the open field for a sack and also broke up a pass deep in coverage.''

"He's more craftiness and nuance -- not as high level of a player as some of the others at the top," an NFL scout said.

But "high'' nevertheless. And despite a crowded list above the 30-year-old, the "crafty'' Judon's steady climb could indicate another career-year on the horizon. 

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