Patriots 2023 NFL Draft: 4 linebackers with extreme upside
Patriots linebacker prospects: Yasir Abdullah, Louisville
One good thing about the New England Patriots and their scouting process is what a player puts on tape is more important than what they do in testing. That approached worked out great with the slow-footed WR Jakobi Meyers (RFA, 2019). They should do the same with the undersized Yasir Abdullah.
The Louisville linebacker was highly productive for the Cardinals, finishing the 2022 season with 9.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for a loss.
Abdullah’s best tool is his speed. His 4.47 40-yard dash was third fastest at the NFL Combine. It enables Abdullah to get a step on blockers whether he’s coming around the corner or blitzing up the middle. He’s also relentless. Abdullah doesn’t stop until the whistle is blown, and he will pursue the ball anywhere on the field.
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Abdullah can play on all four downs. He had four passes defended and two interceptions. His nose for the ball includes four forced fumbles and two fumbles recovered. He might even be a good candidate for special teams.
What may keep the Patriots from calling Abdullah is he’s undersized for an outside linebacker. 6-1 pass rushers aren’t appealing in New England. To get the most out of Abdullah, the Patriots should think a little out of the box.
It would be easy to use Abdullah as a situational pass rusher. But the New England Patriots should try Abdullah at inside linebacker and see if he can make the conversion. Years ago Tedy Bruschi successfully switched after playing defensive end for Arizona. Abdullah’s athleticism might make that change possible.
Projections for Abdullah are a third day selection, but his overall athleticism and versatility could get him into the second day.