Patriots 2023 NFL Draft: 4 linebackers with extreme upside

The New England Patriots can’t go into the 2023 season with the exact same group of linebackers. It would be a failure if all they did was re-sign Raekwon McMillan and Mack Wilson.

The Patriots had the right idea when they originally added these vets to the roster. Both were more athletic than the ‘backers New England had the previous season. The defense needed more speed on the second level.

But speed isn’t everything. McMillian, playing on a surgically repaired knee (torn ACL), slowly improved over the course of the season. Wilson, on the other hand, proved to be a poor tackler and eventually was phased out of the defensive rotation, reduced to just special teams.

Wilson might not make the 2023 roster after the Patriots re-signed S Cody Davis and signed LB Chris Board specifically for special teams. That will be settled during training camp competition. But before that, New England should select a linebacker or two to develop.

Patriots found productive linebackers after the first round before

It wouldn’t be a surprise if the Patriots tabbed a linebacker on days two or three. Clemson’s Trenton Simpson and Iowa’s Jack Campbell would certainly enhance the defense. And New England found studs in the second rounds before, including Jamie Collins and Brandon Spikes.

But every once and awhile, they find an Elandon Roberts (6-2016) and J’Whaun Bentley (5-2018). Maybe they can find another one.

It will be interesting to see if the Patriots select an athletic ‘backer. They should had done so last draft, but instead substituted safeties for that purpose. Maybe this year New England values more size to play close to the line.

If there are any truth to the rumors, the New England Patriots seem open to playmakers that are shy of 250-pound standard. So maybe they’d consider Cincinnati’s Ivan Pace or TCU’s Dee Winters.

If not them, here are a four more players the Patriots should look at: