The New England Patriots selected Michigan linebacker Cameron McGrone in Round 5 of the 2021 NFL draft. He is the third Wolverines linebacker to join the Patriots over the last three drafts, following in the footsteps of Chase Winovich (2019) and Josh Uche (2020).
McGrone logged 26 tackles in five games in 2020 before suffering an ACL tear in November. Because of that injury, he may not be able to play in 2021. But that’s what made him an enticing prospect in the fifth round — he had second-round talent, but the injury uncertainty pushed him down the board. In 2019, he had 66 tackles, four sacks, one forced fumble, and a pass breakup,
McGrone joined a Patriots draft class that includes Alabama quarterback Mac Jones (15th overall), Alabama defensive tackle Christian Barmore (38th overall), edge Ronnie Perkins (96th overall), and running back Rhamondre Stevenson.
