New England Patriots: 2021 NFL Draft late-round sleepers to target
By Ian Higgins
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Grant Stuard LB
After leaving his mark on the senior bowl with a series of impressive special teams contributions, Houston linebacker Grant Stuard placed himself on the 2021 NFL Draft radar with his motor and versatility. At six-foot-one, 225 pounds, Stuard measures in slightly undersized at the position, more closely resembling a linebacker-safety hybrid than a conventional inside linebacker.
Building his game around his range, Stuard is a rangy linebacker who attacks downhill once he identifies the ballcarrier. This range has shown itself in coverage as well, momentarily shining to show the multi-tool ceiling Stuard possesses.
Bill Belichick has always placed a premium on defensive draft selections who can immediately add special teams value while they continue to develop as conventional players. Even with recent selections at linebacker in the New England Patriots last draft class, Stuard would be a pure inside linebacker with additional value to add depth behind Hightower & Bentley.
Potential Draft Position: Round 6, Pick 198
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Tedarrell Slaton DT
Listed at approximately 358 pounds, Florida nose tackle Tedarrell Slaton will enter the NFL as the third heaviest player across the league. Massively strong on the interior of the defensive line, Slaton is a conventional wine-cork of a defensive tackle reminiscent of Patriot’s legend Vince Wilfork. Despite standing at six-foot-five, the focal point of Slaton’s game is fork-lifting linemen through the chest pads.
Packing his weight well, Slaton uses an athletic frame to sidestep off-balance blockers and finishes plays with efficiency in the face of the quarterback. With such size, it is a mighty task to knock him off-balance or disrupt his path to the ballcarrier.
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With the strength to stand-up offensive linemen, Slaton is an imposing force in run defense capable of single-handedly stumping goal-line handoffs. After penetrating the backfield with a short bullrush, Slaton plays with his eyes in the backfield looking for which way to shed.
Potential Draft Position: Round 5, Pick 178