New England Patriots: 2020 NFL Draft late-round sleeper targets

Similarly to Akeem David-Gaither, Tanner Muse is another hybrid player coming out of the 2020 NFL Draft who could give the New England Patriots defense a more fluid, dynamic identity to complement their already terrifying man-coverage on the outside. Unlike Davis though, Muse leans more to the side of strong safety rather than a weakside linebacker.

Muse is a prime candidate to be a day one strong safety. With a 4.41 forty at the NFL combine, Muse has the range to play the deep third of the field as well as the ball skills displayed during his time at Clemson. Muse had 4 interceptions in his 2019 season at Clemson, many of which were athletic plays requiring soft hands and great reach (31.5-inch arms measured at the combine).

Along with this range, Muse benched 20 reps of 225 pounds at the combine and weighed in at 227 pounds. This strength and weight combined with his sure-tackling make him a box safety who can slide down into the weak linebacker position to set the edge against the run. Patrick Chung has filled a similar role during his years as a patriot, and Muse could do the same.

The New England Patriots currently operate out of a man coverage scheme highlighted by defensive player of the year Stephone Gilmore. Muse did his best work in coverage at Clemson playing zone but has the physical tools to be a mismatch coverage tool against some of the top tight ends of the NFL.