For anyone that is into pff
Top defensive grades:
CB Malcolm Butler, 95.9
LB Dont’a Hightower, 89.9
LB Elandon Roberts, 84.7
DT Malcom Brown, 80.0
DE Rob Ninkovich, 79.8
Butler and Hightower lead the defense
Even though he surrendered a touchdown to former teammate Brandon LaFell, Patriots CB Malcolm Butler finished with the best grade of his career. Butler was targeted seven times, allowing three completions for just 17 yards (2.4 yards per attempt), and broke up three passes. LB Dont’a Hightower recorded two sacks and three hurries on just 10 pass rushes, with one of the sacks causing a safety. Hightower is about as dominant a pass-rusher among off-the-line linebackers as you will find, and currently leads all NFL linebackers in
pass-rushing grade for the second season in a row. Rookie LB Elandon Roberts got his first career start in place of the injured Jamie Collins, and more than held his own. Roberts earned positive marks for run defense, pass rushing, and coverage; the sixth-round pick looks like a steal.