The New England Patriots picked Wyoming linebacker Cassh Maluia in the sixth round at 204th overall during the 2020 NFL Draft. He’s the third linebacker in the team’s class behind Michigan outside linebacker Josh Uche and Alabama outside linebacker Anfernee Jennings. But Maluia is a different brand of linebacker, with the previous two spending most of their time edge.
Maluia spent much of his time in the middle of the formation as an inside linebacker. In his sophomore season, he logged a career-high 74 tackles. In his sophomore season, he logged a career-high 74 tackles. He also seemed natural in zone coverage in college. It’s likely he will contribute on special teams.
Maluia is the 10th pick in the Patriots’ draft class, behind Lenior-Rhyne safety Kyle Duggan (pick no. 37), Uche (No. 60), Jennings (87th overall), UCLA tight end Devin Asiasi (No. 91), Virginia Tech tight end Dalton Keene (101st overall), Marshall kicker Justin Rohrwasser (No. 159), Michael Onwenu (182nd overall) and Wake Forest guard Justin Herron (No. 195).
[vertical-gallery id=74890]