Next man up in my #Patriots Potential Risers is Adam Butler, one of NE's most disruptive defenders.

The DT led the team in sacks (8) using tenacity, athleticism, low pad level, violent hands, executing well-placed strikes in succession, and excellent chemistry with Hightower

Butler's main role in 2019 was freeing up other rushers, which makes his production even more impressive. He was the league's 2nd-most doubled DT per @SethWalder, behind only Chris Jones

Excellent at keeping the initial blocker's attention when crashing down to create rush lanes

Butler surprisingly only had 1 QB hit, but he still brought the heat, finishing 4th on the team in hurries (14) per @PFF_Patriots. Pocket pushing is the priority for Pats IDL, and Butler does that wel when asked.

Also as relentless as ever and nimble enough to loop on twists

One of my favorite wrinkles to Butler’s game is how he ricochets off guards to give himself more momentum in his rush and overwhelm centers.

Processes things so quickly and plays aggressive without compromising gap integrity

Butler's instincts and awareness on batted balls are phenomenal. Led the team with 6, double 2nd place KVN's number, and came close a few other times.

Would've finished 3rd among DBs behind Gilmore and Jones, and league-wide, Chris Jones was his only real IDL competition with 5

Butler was quietly one of the league's most efficient run defenders. Despite logging only ~100 run snaps, he had 14 stops and led the NFL in PFF's stop % among those who played 16 games.

Won with low pads, a wide stance, inside hand placement, balance, and a strong anchor

In the ground game, Butler mostly shaded outside the guard and was in the IDL3 mix with Simon, Wise, and Cowart.

He dominated 1-on-1 match ups, stacking and shedding at will, showing off his mobility on horizontal concepts, and suffocating runs from the backside

Butler kicked out to 5T in the defense's tite fronts, where he continued to dominate against single and combo blocks.

Against doubles, he does a great job planting one foot to hold his ground, building a wall, and using his height to see over blockers and find the ball

Butler's ability to win vs different concepts gave NE the flexibility to run some of their lighter packages and looks without having to worry about getting gashed inside.

It really is incredible seeing how far he's come mentally and technique-wise. Ascending 4th year player

In the Patriots' heavier 6-man and goal line fronts, Butler sometimes kicked back inside to either 2i or 1T.

Since he's on the lighter side for an IDL, leverage is crucial. Luckily, it's also where Butler shines, as he consistently gets under blockers to shut down gaps