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:
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.
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.
Patriots linebacker prospects: DeMarvion Overshown, Texas
If the New England Patriots have the patience to develop an athlete like DeMarvion Overshown, then the reward could be great. The DeMarvion Missile is a big hitter that could initially be an asset on passing downs.
Overshown arrived at Texas as a safety but the Longhorns discovered his best fit was on the second level. Overshown is explosive when going downhill. As a blitzer, he gets to the quarterback quickly to disrupt the pass or sack the QB.
When not attacking, Overshown was effective in coverage. Thanks to his experience as a safety, he’s comfortable in man-to-man as well as zone. With his athleticism, Overshown has the ability to cover tight ends or backs out of the backfield. And with his length (6-4), Overshown should get his share of deflections.
On the downside, Overshown has some filling out to do. He put on some weight in time for the NFL Combine, but only weighs 230 pounds. Even with long arms, Overshown is at risk of being turned into a speed bump by offensive linemen on run plays.
And Overshown is expected to struggle with disengaging from blocks, though that’s easier said than done when Overshown triggers downhill. It’s game over if blockers get to Overshown, but if the defensive line keeps him clean, he would stop ball carriers in their tracks between the tackles or to the sidelines.
Overshown’s ability on passing downs would be hard for the Patriots to pass on. A year or two with New England’s training staff would address the lack of strength and put Overshown in position to be a four down player.
If you don’t believe the New England Patriots would take an interest in a 230-pound linebacker, then you haven’t heard the rumor:
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.
Patriots linebacker prospects: Isaiah Moore, N.C. State
As much as the New England Patriots need to add speed to their linebacking corps, Isaiah Moore is worth making an exception for.
He ran a 4.68 40-yard dash at the NC State Pro Day, but he doesn’t look slow on tape. Maybe it’s because he processes fast. Moore has excellent recognition and instincts, enabling him to diagnose plays and act quickly. He accumulated 43.5 tackles for a loss over five years, 15.5 last year alone.
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When Moore gets to the ball, he arrives emphatically. If Moore has a clear shot, he uses all of his 6-2 and 230-pound frame to stop ball carriers in their tracks. And once Moore wraps his arms, ball carriers usually don’t get away.
Moore looks great as a run defender, but performed poorly in the three cone and 20-yard shuttle drills. He’ll probably be a liability on passing downs, hurting his draft stock.
But Moore’s best traits can’t be measured. The Patriots were apparently blown away by Moore’s intangibles when they met him at the Senior Bowl. The football IQ and leadership (three-year captain) left an impression with the New England coaches.
Moore’s role as a pro is likely as a run defender on early downs and short/goal line situations. But do the Patriots need another Ja’Whaun Bentley-type of linebacker? Moore is slated as a late day three selection, if he gets drafted at all. Moore’s chances of becoming a Patriot improves if New England doesn’t have to spend a draft pick on him.