The New England Patriots selected Alabama linebacker Anfernee Jennings with the 87th overall pick and in turn reloaded the linebacker position. The organization needed depth following big losses in free agency at the position. They certainly added to it with the pick of Jennings.
In four years of play at Alabama, he recorded 193 total tackles. His best season came in 2019. He recorded 83 tackles in 13 games played in addition to eight sacks. His five pass deflections were also of note, and indicative of the multi-faceted game he brings to the table. He joins fellow Alabama alum Dont’a Hightower in Foxboro.
As the Patriots looked to remake their defense, Jennings should help get speed and youth to the position. Jennings is a tough player, and seems like the type of talent suited for a Bill Belichick defense.
Anfernee Jennings is the Pats’ best pick so far
— Brandon Gimpel (@BrandonGimpel) April 25, 2020
Anfernee Jennings completely fits the definition of a Patriot player.
He’ll have a chance to get on the field right away, as Belichick looks to replace Jamie Collins and Kyle Van Noy. #NFLDraft
— Pat Dowd (@Pat_Dowd77) April 25, 2020
It's not hard to envision Anfernee Jennings being the John Simon to Josh Uche's Chase Winovich.
— Bobby Krivitsky (@BobbyKrivitsky) April 25, 2020
https://twitter.com/TheChrisPhoenix/status/1253882516609527808
Anfernee Jennings is the one guy I have been consistently mocking to the Patriots in my drafts. He’s another versatile EDGE player who can do a variety of things. He’s another three down player.
— New England Football Journal 🏈 (@newftbj) April 25, 2020
It will be fascinating to see how Jennings gets used in this defense. He is a Bill Belichick-type player, and is not afraid to make the tackle. A new era of defense is taking shape in Foxboro.
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