Grading the Patriots’ decision to draft OLB Josh Uche

Josh Uche will prove to be a valuable piece in rebuilding the Patriots’ linebacker corps.

One depleted position was replenished for the New England Patriots on Day 2 of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Bill Belichick traded up in the second round to draft outside linebacker Josh Uche from Michigan. The Patriots lost Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Elandon Roberts in free agency this offseason — leaving Dont’a Hightower as the only top-tier player in the group. Van Noy and Collins recorded more sacks last year individually than anyone else on the team.

Uche recorded 7.5 sacks last year with the Wolverines and tallied 10.5 tackles for loss as well. He’s 6-foot-2, 250 pounds and an insanely athletic player who is a blur off the edge.

Here’s our grade for Uche: A

Uche has an underdog mentality and believes he should’ve been drafted in the first round. He’s extremely competitive and his relationship with Patriots’ 2019 third-round pass-rusher Chase Winovich is an added bonus for everyone involved.

The Patriots landed one of the most versatile linebackers in the draft and did it without hurting their draft capital. New England has 13 total picks and dire needs at the tight end, linebacker, quarterback and kicker positions. The addition of Uche gives them flexibility to focus on the other positions and feel comfortable with linebacker who can rush the passer.

Here’s the Draft Wire’s evaluation of him.

The pure athletic ability that Uche brings to a defense makes him a valuable chess piece.

An explosive rusher off the edge, Uche has great first-step acceleration for a 245-pounder. He is a fluid defender who has top-notch hip and ankle flexibility, which allows him to rip and dip underneath offensive tackles, as well as change direction in the open field. That athleticism also gives him some value dropping back in coverage, as he is able to offer solid range in zone, as well as above-average abilities as an edge rusher in man.

Though Uche is a shorter edge rusher, he uses that to his advantage. He plays with good pad level and does a good job of being the lower man in most of his reps. He has flashed the ability to convert speed to power, and his hand usage has been impressive at times, especially at the Senior Bowl.

Uche spoke with reporters after being drafted and clearly fits the New England mold.

Uche was behind Winovich and 2019 No. 12 overall pick Rashan Gary on Michigan’s depth chart in 2018 and still led the team in sacks with seven. He’s the ultimate competitor and New England won’t regret picking Uche with their second pick in the draft.

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