The New England Patriots are drafting Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Anfernee Jennings at 87th overall. For the third time in five years, Bill Belichick is taking an Alabama player and drawing upon his connection with Alabama coach Nick Saban, a good friend of Belichick’s.
Jennings will follow running backDamien Williams, cornerback Cyrus Jones and linebacker Dont’a Hightower’s path from the Crimson Tide to the Patriots.
In his final college season, his fifth year at Alabama, Jennings logged 83 tackles, eight sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss. He stands at 6-foot-2 and 255 pounds, and draws a natural comparison to former Patriots linebacker Kyle Van Noy. Surely, that’s no coincidence, as New England is looking to replace Van Noy and Jamie Collins, who both departed in free agency this offseason.
Jennings should be able to contribute immediately, with his sound fundamentals and excellent strength. New England picked pass-rushing outside linebacker Josh Uche, a Michigan product, in the second round. Jennings is sort of an equal but opposite prospect, with the ability to set the edge in the running game. Perhaps we’ll see the Patriots playing Jennings on the early downs and Uche on passing downs during their rookie season.
Jennings and Uche join a linebacker group which includes Chase Winovich, John Simon, Brandon Copeland and Shilique Calhoun.
