The New England Patriots have a number of needs to fill heading into the 2019 NFL Draft. Although linebacker is not high on the list of immediate needs, it is always an area of focus for Bill Belichick and company during the draft.
This year’s draft is limited when it comes to first-round talent at the linebacker position. That said, there are a number of guys who could be considered value picks that the Patriots could — and should — take a long look at from the second round, on.
Here are five linebacker prospects the New England Patriots should target in the 2019 NFL Draft.
Mack Wilson, Alabama
Belichick loves Alabama guys, mostly because they speak his language thanks to the Nick Saban connection. Aside from that, Wilson is a guy built to play inside or outside, with good enough speed to chase backs down across the field. In coverage, he has no issues running with backs and tight ends. New England should be able to target him with either the 56th or 64th pick.
Bobby Okereke, Stanford
Okereke is a smart football player who is almost always where he is supposed to be. He is comfortable playing inside and outside, and is an effective blitzer from anywhere on the field. Bottom line: he’s a guy who will do anything his coach asks him to do and not be a liability while doing it. He was also a team captain, and Bill Belichick has a penchant for drafting captains.
Te’von Coney, Notre Dame
Coney is a big, strong tackling machine who plays with a violence that is infectious. He is a master run-stopper who rarely misses tackles when he’s in range. His playing style is similar to that of Dont’a Hightower, and his experience in dealing with the media circus that covers Notre Dame would help him deal with the attention the Patriots get. If Coney is available after the fourth round, he’s a steal.
T.J. Edwards, Wisconsin
Edwards probably has the highest football IQ of anyone in the draft at the linebacker position. He’s a good-but-not great athlete who uses his intelligence and instincts to overcome his athletic shortcomings. He was the heart and soul of a very good Wisconsin defense over the last couple of seasons, and would be an asset to any locker room.
Joe Giles-Harris, Duke
If Giles-Harris is fully recovered from an MCL injury in 2018, he could have the most value of any linebacker in the draft. He certainly didn’t show any lingering effects at the NFL Scouting Combine last month. He’s one of the more complete, NFL-ready linebackers in the class and has the versatility to stay on the field as an inside linebacker in any defense. He has excellent vision and is very good against the pass, especially for his size.
