The New England Patriots left the 2020 NFL Draft with much more security at the linebacker position. Bill Belichick grabbed three linebackers to replace the departure of Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Elandon Roberts.
Van Noy and Collins were extremely versatile, accounting for 13.5 sacks and 17 tackles for loss last season — while holding their own in coverage. The Patriots drafted Michigan-product Josh Uche in the second round and Alabama-product Anfernee Jennings in the third round. Uche’s ability to rush the passer and play off the ball will likely make him an automatic starter.
Jennings still needs to refine his game slightly, but he has an extremely high ceiling because of his versatility. He’s 6-foot-3, 260 pounds and was known for setting the edge and following through as a tackler with the Crimson Tide. Jennings’ focus wasn’t on getting to the quarterback, but he did a decent job his senior year after recording eight sacks and 12.5 tackles for loss.
Former Crimson Tide linebacker Dont’a Hightower plays a similar game and will quickly become a mentor for Jennings. So, how will Jennings fit into the defense? Belichick talked with him after the draft and briefly broke down the role he’d play.
“I talked to Coach Belichick last night,” Jennings said, via NESN. “He plans on using me kind of the same way that I was used at Alabama — using my versatility, being able to stack it back off the ball and line up on the edge and move around, making the most of wherever he puts me.”
ESPN’s Mel Kiper elaborated on Jennings’ strong-suits and how he’ll fit in with the team.
“He will (thrive under Belichick). His connection with Belichick and Saban, every year you see an Alabama player come into the fold, it seems like,” Kiper said. “Smart, he’s very instinctive. He plays within the scheme very well. That’s why you see him not necessarily disrupting every play. That’s not his role on every play. He diagnosis screen passes. You can see him sift through trash and get to the ball carrier. He’s a very slippery player, a very smart player. Whatever he was asked to do within the framework of that defense, he did. He wasn’t always flashy when he needed to be. When he needed to get a sack, he could. He’s an all-around player who was a really good pick for New England.”
It’s too early to say these rookies can replicate the production that Van Noy and Collins had last season, but they both have the ability to quickly come in and make an immediate impact.
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