Patriots 2023 NFL Draft: 4 linebackers with extreme upside

Patriots linebacker prospects: Mohamoud Diabate, Utah

Mohamoud Diabate says, “hold my rice cake.” The former Florida and Utah linebacker tips the scales at just 229 pounds. Yet he caught the New England Patriots’ attention, along with several other teams, during the Senior Bowl practices and game.

Diabate shines as a pass rusher. He comes flying around the corner and closes in on quarterbacks quickly. That speed also shows when Diabate blitzes up the middle.

The former Gartor/Ute also defends the run. He had 13.5 tackles for a loss in his final year at Utah, showing a willingness to stick his nose between the tackles. And with that burst, Diabate can go sideline-to-sideline to stop screen passes before the receiver can get going.

Diabate is very effective when going forward, but he has some room for improvement when it comes to pass coverage. After four years, Diabate has just one interception and one pass defended.

It’s not a question of ability. He performed very well in the 3-cone drill and 20-yard shuttle. Diabate currently lacks the understanding of what to do when he’s not attacking.

And it’s questionable whether Diabate has the strength or can develop the strength to hold up at the point of attack if run plays come his way.

Diabate sounds like Elandon Roberts, a Patriots 2016 sixth round selection who was also at his best when going downhill. Diabate does have the edge as a pass rusher, though. He has the ability to stay on the field to defend the run then pin his ears back on passing downs.

Versatility always appeals to New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick. He would have fun moving Diabate around to find mismatches.