Michigan State Football: Shilique Calhoun making splash with Patriots

Former Michigan State football star Shilique Calhoun made the Patriots’ roster this fall and will look to continue his climb up the depth chart.

Ever since Shilique Calhoun graduated from Michigan State, he’s been looking to catch on in the NFL and he may just have the perfect opportunity in New England.

Calhoun’s career at Michigan State ended on a sour note with a blowout loss in the College Football Playoff, but he was selected in the third round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Raiders. He played in 10 games as a rookie, recording nine total tackles and 0.5 sacks. It looked to be the start of a long career, but he played in just 16 total games over the next two seasons with 20 total tackles and no sacks.

The Raiders and Calhoun parted ways and he was picked up by the Patriots and played in 15 games in 2019, recording nine tackles, three quarterbacks hits and a forced fumble.

Heading into 2020, he was battling it out for one of the final spots on the Patriots’ 53-man roster. Right now, he’s likely the third outside linebacker on the roster right behind Michigan’s Chase Winovich. If he continues his climb, he could push for serious snaps.

Calhoun could be the perfect pass-rushing linebacker after being an elite pass rusher at Michigan State. After making the roster and building some momentum, is this the year he breaks out?

At 28, Calhoun is entering arguably the most important season of his career. If he struggles, he could be looking at a shortened NFL career but if he exceeds expectations, he could either become a solid trade piece or a potential starter for the Pats’ defense.

Sometimes it takes a little too long, but Calhoun may be figuring it all out and piecing together a breakout season in New England.