A continuing series looking at how the Patriots could fill need positions through the NFL Draft, April 26-28.
There was a time when the Patriots loaded up on high-level linebackers early in the draft.
From 2008-2013, the Pats selected a linebacker in the first or second round in four of six years, stocking their defense with Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes, Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins. Over the last four years the [...]
A continuing series looking at how the Patriots could fill need positions through the NFL Draft, April 26-28.
There was a time when the Patriots loaded up on high-level linebackers early in the draft.
From 2008-2013, the Pats selected a linebacker in the first or second round in four of six years, stocking their defense with Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes, Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins. Over the last four years the Patriots haven't selected a linebacker in the first five rounds.
If there’s a time to buck that trend, it’s this year.
The lack of linebacker depth was glaring last season. At middle linebacker, the team relied on 2016 sixth-round pick Elandon Roberts. They toyed with using Kyle Van Noy in that spot as well before moving him to outside linebacker/edge rusher. The team took a huge hit when Hightower was lost for the season with a pectoral injury.
The team tried to bring in help, but David Harris didn’t have much left. Marquis Flowers helped a bit with the pass rush, but depth was still lacking.
Harris has retired and the Patriots released Shea McClellin, who missed last season with a concussion. One area in which the team could look for help in the draft is at inside linebacker in order to keep Van Noy and Hightower on the edge.
The Pats currently have eight draft picks, including two first-round picks. Here’s a look at some candidates:
First-round candidate: Rashaan Evans, Alabama
The 6-foot-3, 234-pound Evans plays with excellent speed and could help in coverage. At Alabama, he showed versatility, playing both inside and outside linebacker. Evans finished with 74 tackles, six sacks and three pass deflections last year. He is one of New England's 30 pre-draft visits, and met with the Pats at the combine. Bill Belichick was at his Pro Day.
Second-round candidate: Leighton Vander Esch, Boise State
Vander Esch (6-4, 256) is an inside linebacker who had 141 tackles, four sacks, two interceptions and five pass deflections last season. He has the ability to be an every-down linebacker and seems well versed in pass coverage. His draft stock is on the rise. Vander Esch met with the Patriots at the combine.
Third-round candidate: Josey Jewell, Iowa
Jewell is a bit undersized at 6-1, 235 pounds, but he was productive at Iowa. An All-American, he finished with 134 tackles and 4½ sacks last season. He made 433 tackles in his career. Jewell is good in pass coverage, making two interceptions and 11 pass deflections last season. He met with the Patriots at his Pro Day.
Sixth-round candidate: Skai Moore, South Carolina
Moore is 6-2, 226 pounds, but what he lacks in size he makes up for in production. Moore finished his college career with 351 tackles, five sacks and 14 interceptions. Last season, he made 93 stops to go with two sacks. As evident by his numbers, Moore stands out in pass coverage. The Patriots met with Moore at the combine. Bill Belichick broke down film with Moore at South Carolina.
Seventh-round candidate: Jack Cichy, Wisconsin
A former walk-on, Cichy missed part of the 2016 season with a torn pectoral and then all of last season with a knee injury. When healthy, the 6-2, 234-pound inside linebacker was solid. As a sophomore, he made 60 tackles and five sacks. He’s a strong team leader and special teams standout. Nick Caserio was at his Pro Day.