The linebacker corps instantly went from a deep group to a dire position of need for the New England Patriots this offseason.
New England currently is carrying Dont’a Hightower, Ja’Whaun Bentley and Terez Hall on the roster after losing Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Elandon Roberts in free agency. Collins and Van Noy excelled in stopping the run and making life difficult for opposing quarterbacks.
Playing the linebacker position in New England could hold many different roles and they simply don’t have the depth to fill all these holes. Some Patriots linebackers are there to stop the run or rush the quarterback, others specialize in dropping back in coverage.
The 2020 NFL Draft is full of versatile and gifted linebackers, giving the Patriots options throughout all seven rounds. Here’s an option for the Patriots in each round of the draft.
Round 1 – Zack Baun, Wisconsin
Zack Baun out of Wisconsin would be the perfect fit in New England’s defense. He’s 6-foot-3, 240 pounds and plays a similar game to Van Noy, rushing the passer at an efficient rate and having the ability to drop back in coverage when necessary. Baun recorded 12.5 sacks, 76 tackles and 19.5 tackles for loss last season. The Patriots have the No. 23 pick in the draft and could very likely find Baun on the board.
Round 2 – Malik Harrison, Ohio State
Malik Harrison, two-year starter out of Ohio State, has a nose for the ball that would work out tremendously in Bill Belichick’s defense. Harrison led the Buckeyes in tackles last season with 75 and has the speed to drop back in coverage when necessary. Harrison would provide a four-down linebacker who prides himself on hitting hard and finishing tackles. The Patriots don’t have a second round pick, but it’s possible Harrison drops to the third round or the Patriots trade picks around to get into the second round.
Round 3 – Logan Wilson, Wyoming
Logan Wilson out of Wyoming is a downhill tackler, who has a relentless pursuit toward the ball. He isn’t the best coverage guy, but he has an uncanny ability to read plays and maneuver past blockers. In all four seasons at Wyoming, Wilson never recorded less than 90 tackles. Wilson would be a steal if the Patriots could grab him with their final pick in the third round (No. 100).
Round 4 – Willie Gay Jr., Mississippi State
Willie Gay Jr. out of Mississippi State is one of this draft’s best off-ball linebackers. He runs a 4.46 40-yard dash at 243 pounds and his ability to cover sideline to sideline is unlike most linebackers in this class. Gay has had the tendency to be too aggressive and jump the gun, so the mental aspect of his game needs some work. The Patriots have the No. 125 pick in the fourth round and Gay would be an absolute steal if he’s still around.
Round 5 – Evan Weaver, Cal
Evan Weaver out of Cal is one of the most reliable, productive linebackers in this year’s draft. He spent four years at Cal and played in 49 out of 50 potential games, recording over 400 tackles and 181 in his senior year alone. Weaver’s biggest issue is his lack of athleticism in the open field, making it difficult to trust him in coverage. The Patriots don’t have a fifth round pick, but they have four in the sixth round and Weaver could very likely drop to the No. 195 pick.
Round 6 – Carter Coughlin, Minnesota
Carter Coughlin out of Minnesota could become a valuable special teamer for the Patriots. He’s dropped in his draft projection because of his size, and he’s in between linebacker and defensive end on the field. He ran a 4.57 40-yard dash and relies on his high football IQ to make plays. The Patriots always need solid special teamer and Coughlin could come in and make an immediate impact in that role.
Round 7 – Daniel Bituli, Tennessee
Daniel Bituli out of Tennessee has the ability to take on blockers and make difficult tackles in the trenches. He’s 6-foot-2, 246 pounds and does a great job of reading running backs and finding a way to make the tackle. Bituli emulates Roberts’ game and would likely go in the sixth or seventh round of the draft. He won’t be a huge help in coverage, but he’ll plug gaps and stop ball carriers in the trenches.
