The linebacker position isn’t shaping up to having much continuity for the New England Patriots in 2022.
Kyle Van Noy was released by the team for financial reasons — while Dont’a Hightower, Ja’Whaun Bentley and Jamie Collins are set to hit free agency. The Patriots could be at risk to lose four starting players at the position and they will need to revamp in the draft this year.
ESPN’s Todd McShay took note of this and had the Patriots selecting Georgia Bulldogs linebacker Nakobe Dean with pick No. 21. Dean is much faster than anyone in the current group and he has a high motor that’s effective against the run or pass.
McShay explained why Dean would fit with the Patriots in his most recent mock draft on Wednesday.
This guy is perfect for the Patriots. With Dont’a Hightower hitting free agency, there’s a spot open in the middle of that defense, too. New England’s passing defense was stout in the 2021, but its 4.5 yards allowed per run tied for the eighth worst in the league. Dean has an incredible motor, fighting through blocks and making tackles in space. He has range both against the run and in coverage, and he can even contribute as a pass-rusher. I absolutely love watching his tape. Dean could be Bill Belichick’s leader on defense, and his relentlessness and exceptional instincts will make him an instant-impact player.
The Athletic’s Dane Brugler had Dean going to the Patriots in his January mock draft.
Generally, Bill Belichick prefers bigger-bodied linebackers, but what Dean lacks in size he more than makes up for with play speed and football smarts. And anyone who watched the Patriots’ playoff loss to the Bills knows they need more of both at linebacker.
Dean would fit the recent trend of Belichick drafting players in the early rounds from top-tier SEC schools — Mac Jones and Christian Barmore are the most recent examples. Jerod Mayo mentioned the Patriots need more speed within the defense and Dean carries that with a 4.5 40-yard dash.
Drafting Dean could be the start of selecting a different, and necessary, build of linebacker in New England.
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