New England Patriots: Best case scenario in the 2020 NFL Draft

Draft a linebacker or two

The New England Patriots lost three good linebackers to free agency.

Kyle Van Noy and Elandon Roberts went to Miami. Jamie Collins is off to Detroit. They need to fill the linebacker/edge positions in the draft. At least two picks are necessary or the draft will have to be considered deficient.

Guys like Daniel Bituli of Tennessee and Anfernee Jennings of Alabama are late-round possibilities for depth. NFL.com says about Bituli:

"“Throwback linebacker with size, toughness and aggression. He has power and contact balance that keeps him from getting pushed around and can stop runners dead in their tracks as a box thumper.”"

There’s your replacement for Roberts. Anfernee Jennings is more of an edge type and would be nice depth option to help replace Van Noy and Collins. Jennings obviously played top-level football, was a captain at Alabama and could fit as a depth replacement for Van Noy and Collins late in the draft.

Many commentators feel that the Patriots will go early and hard on linebackers in this draft. Frankly, I think other needs have to take priority. On the edge, they have Donte Hightower, (who also can play inside), John Simon, and the emerging Chase Winovich. They also have Ja’Whaun Bentley inside and have just signed free agent Brandon Copeland who plays outside. with this depth, I just don’t see the pressing need to go very high in the draft at linebacker.