Ja'Whaun Bentley was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fifth round (143rd overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft.

PRONOUNCED ja-WAHN

CAREER TRANSACTIONS

Ja'Whaun Bentley was drafted by the New England Patriots in the fifth round (143rd overall) of the 2018 NFL Draft.

SEASONAL REVIEWS

2018 (3/2)

• Made the start at linebacker in his first career NFL game in the victory vs. Houston (9/9) and combined for seven total tackles, including a tackle for loss.
• Contributed in a reserve role at linebacker and finished with one tackle, while also contributing on special teams with one special teams tackle at Jacksonville (9/16).
• Started at linebacker and finished with five tackles total and a pass defensed, while also recording his first NFL interception when he picked off QB Matthew Stafford to end the Lions first drive of the third quarter in the game at Detroit (9/23). The turnover led to a touchdown for the Patriots on the ensuing drive.
• Was placed on Injured Reserve on Sept. 26.

COLLEGE

• Played in 38 games over his four-year career at Purdue and registered 272 tackles, one sack, two interceptions, one interception returned for a touchdown, seven passes defensed, two forced fumbles and three fumble recoveries.
• Was a three-time team captain at Purdue.
• Appeared in 12 games with 11 starts as a senior and totaled a career-high 97 tackles, one sack, one interception he returned for a touchdown, three passes defensed and two forced fumbles.
• Played in nine games as a junior with eight starts and finished fifth on the team with 50 tackles and one pass defensed.
• Started the first five games of the season as a sophomore before injuring his knee at practice. Finished fifth on the team with 49 tackles despite missing the final seven games of the season.
• Started all 12 games as a freshman and recorded 76 tackles, one interception returned for 44 yards, one pass defensed and three fumble recoveries. 

EXTRA POINTS

• Ja'Whaun Bentley was the first three-time captain in Purdue history.  

PERSONAL

• Four-year letterwinner in high school.
• Two-time first team all-metropolitan as a junior and senior.  
• Two-time first team all-conference as a junior and senior. 
• Two-time first team all-state as a junior and senior. 
• Made 113 tackles, 26 tackles for loss, four sacks and one interception returned for a TD as a senior, helping lead his team to the WCAC championship. 
• Recorded 116 tackles and six sacks as a junior. 
• Played in Offense-Defense 2014 All-American Bowl. 
• Recorded 10 sacks and one forced fumble as a freshman.
• Majored in organizational leadership at Purdue.