2022 NFL Draft: 5 defensive prospects ideal for New England Patriots defense
Why the New England Patriots should target LB Chad Muma, Wyoming
With the rhetoric that the New England Patriots need to get faster at the linebacker position, Chad Muma’s 4.63-second 40-yard dash might not be viewed as fast enough.
Well Muma ran a faster 40 than Hightower (4.68) and Bentley (4.75), so it’s a start.
What Muma lacks in straight ahead speed, he makes up for it in quickness, finishing second in the 20-yard shuttle (4.28 seconds) and fourth in the three cone drill (7.06 seconds). Combine that with solid instincts, and Muma will collect a lot of tackles by making the right reads.
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And he’ll do so without sacrificing strength. Unlike many draft-eligible linebackers, the 6-3 240-pound Muma can engage and shed blockers before taking ball carriers down. Belichick may want to get faster, but I doubt he’s willing to sacrifice the physicality to play the position the way he wants.
Muma could play either inside or outside, which is another plus to his profile. Most mock drafts expect Muma to go in the third round. If the Patriots want him, New England either has to trade up in the third or select Muma in the second round.