New England Patriots 2018 NFL mock draft: Projecting the first 3 rounds

Round 1, Pick No. 23: Harold Landry OLB/DE Boston College

If Harold Landry does in fact land in Foxboro, he won’t have to move very far.

Standing at 6’3 and weighing 250 lbs. the linebacker/defensive end hybrid is a physical specimen. At the combine, Landry was first among all defensive lineman in the 60-yard shuttle drill, and 5th amongst lineman in the 40-yard dash running an impressive 4.64.

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To put his athleticism into context, since 2000 there have only been 6 defensive linemen to weigh over 250 lbs., run a sub 6.9 in the 3 cone drill, and be selected in the first round of the NFL Draft.

This elite list includes Demarcus Ware, David Pollack, J.J Watt, T.J Watt, Joey Bosa and Melvin Ingram. With the exception of Pollack who suffered a severe career ending vertebrae injury in just his second season in the league, the other 5 players have made a big impact on their teams in the NFL.

If selected in the first round, Landry could easily join this elite list.

Landry’s downside is that he has an injury history and is known for seemingly taking plays off. Belichick has taken chances on players like this before to mix result, but if he knows that Landry only took plays off because his team was the bottom feeder of the ACC as his tenure as an Eagle, then I think Bill will have no issue enforcing the “Patriot Way” on him.

With the New England Patriots lacking a consistent pass rush and very weak at the outside linebacker position, I can see Belichick going with the local BC Eagle with his first-round selection.