New England Patriots: Jak Chowder Mock Draft 3.0 With Trades
Round 4, 119th Pick (from Arizona): LB Kendell Beckwith, LSU
The Patriots could scoop up their first pure linebacker of the draft in the fourth round in Kendell Beckwith. He is recovering from an ACL injury, and that is why he may be available this late.
Beckwith is a 6’2″ 243lbs linebacker who earned first-team All-SEC honors as a senior. Before his injury, he was leading the LSU Tigers with 91 tackles.
According to his NFL Draft Profile, Beckwith has the ability to be a solid starter in the league.
"“Productive full-time starter over last two and a half seasons on talented LSU defenses. Has the size and spirit to play for teams expecting physicality from their inside linebacker, but his game comes with some athletic and coverage limitations. Before his injury, he could have come off the board on Day 2, but may see his stock fall into the third day now. He has starter’s ability when healthy.”"
Round 4, 131st Pick: CB Howard Wilson, Houston
In this trade filled scenario, cornerback becomes a lesser need as New England would have Stephon Gilmore and Richard Sherman lining up for them. Still, the team would love to add some depth in the secondary.
Houston’s Howard Wilson could be a fit in New England, though he needs some work. Wilson could compete with Eric Rowe, Cyrus Jones and Justin Coleman for playing time and practice time.
At 6’1″ Wilson is a tall and lengthy corner, giving him a natural ability to defend and break up passes to bigger wide receivers. He also has the speed to keep up with almost anyone on the football field.
New England would aim to have Wilson improve his positioning and footwork, which he could learn from two of the league’s best corners.