Patriots late-round 2021 NFL mock draft 1.0: Ohio St LB highlights Day 3
Round 5 158: Pete Werner, Linebacker Ohio State
The New England Patriots have some issues at the inside linebacker position and Pete Werner out of Ohio State is a late-round target who could help add some depth at that position.
At 6-foot-3 and 242 pounds, Werner has the makeup of a more athletic Rob Ninkovich type who has the ability to cover tight ends and running backs on passing downs and play in the box as a physical, disciplined tackler.
Linebacker. Buckeyes . Pete Werner. 158. player. 812.
The Patriots should get Dont’a Hightower back in 2021 after the star linebacker opted out in 2020, so that in itself will make them instantly better, but selecting a player like Werner should not only push Ja’Whaun Bentley (also selected in the fifth round) at the inside linebacker position but will allow young linebackers like Chase Winovich and Josh Uche play more at the outside linebacker position.
In all, the Patriots can’t go wrong selecting any player out of Ohio State, but when it comes to Pete Werner, they may be getting a player who was just starting to hit his stride in his senior year in college.
If this Ohio State linebacker is there when the Patriots select at 158, it is a player who New England Patriots fans will look back on as one of those classic late-round Belichick picks who morphed into a solid contributor on the defensive side of the football.