2016 NFL Draft: Inside the Mind of Patriots Head Coach Bill Belichick

Inside Linebackers

Dont’a Hightower and Jamie Collins have locked down two of the starting linebacker spots, but who’s going to start in that third spot? Is Jonathan Freeny the answer? Will Shea McClellin make the move back inside? With so many unanswered questions, the Patriots may look to the draft to fill the need. Inside linebackers aren’t typically coveted early in the draft, so New England may have a shot to select one of the top prospects at the position at the end of round two.

Where the Patriots picks exceed the league average:

-Height

-Weight

-Arm Length

-Hand Size

-40-Yard Dash

Positive Grades Among 87 Inside Linebackers:

1. Joe Walker – Oregon (5.0)

2. Will Ratelle – North Dakota (4.3)

3. B.J. Goodson – Clemson (3.1)*

4. Jaylon Smith – Notre Dame (2.5)

5. Jalen Jefferson – California (1.8)

5. Nick Kwiatkoski – West Virginia (1.8)

5. Ryan Langford – New Mexico (1.8)

5. Luke Rhodes – William & Mary (1.8)

5. Nick Vigil – Utah State (1.8)

10. Brandon Chubb – Wake Forest (1.2)

10. Manoa Pikula – BYU (1.2)

12. Akil Blount – Florida A&M (0.6)

12. Darreon Herring – Vanderbilt (0.6)

12. Myles Jack – UCLA (0.6)*

12. Kyrie Wilson – Fresno State (0.6)

*Graded Positively at Multiple Positions

After seeing who came out with positive scores, it’s safe to say New England will not be adding an inside linebacker early in the draft. Every prospect on the list, besides Myles Jack who will be long gone by number 60, should be on the board late on day three. Another obvious exception is Jaylon Smith; however the injury he sustained in the Fiesta Bowl will scare teams away. If he falls far enough, the Patriots could see the reward outweighing the risk.

Next: Outside Linebackers