New England Patriots 2020 NFL Draft: 7-round mock draft wish list

Fourth Round No. 125 –  Malik Harrison, linebacker, Ohio State

Staying true to form (my form not the Patriots’), the New England Patriots first four picks in the 2020 draft have been devoted to their terrible and now top quarterback-less offense. In the fourth round, we’ll now shift to the defensive side of the ball to shore up a position also depleted, this time by free agency. Linebacker.

The New England Patriots have lost key players on the linebacker corps from last year’s good squad. Underrated star Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and now former captain Elandon Roberts have left. The Pats have brought in Brandon Copeland, a big inside linebacker.

Copeland will ostensibly replace Robert on the inside. But versatile outside edge players Van Noy and Collins need replacement as well. That’s where Malik Harrison comes in if he’s still on the board.

There’s a lot to like about Harrison. Good size. NFL.com has him at 6’3″ tall and weighing 247 pounds and ran a 4.66 forty yard dash with a 36″ vertical. Nice speed and athleticism for the position. Just about right.

NFL.com notes,

"Harrison again proved himself a playmaker for the Buckeyes as a senior, garnering third-team Associated Press All-American and first-team All-Big Ten notice as the team’s leading tackler (75 stops, 16.5 for loss, 4.5 sacks, four pass breakups in 14 starts)."

Nice production and they also note that Harrison:

"Experienced playing all linebacker spots Aggressive, downhill demon making plays near the line of scrimmage Stacks and stands incoming blockers with stiff, upward strike Uses length and build-up speed to pounce on his prey from backside Impressive change of direction for a big, tall linebacker"

Good production. Great program. Big games. Convinces me. The only possible problem again is, will he be available at pick No. 125? Let’s hope so.