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Deontae Lawson Is a Day 3 Dart Throw Patriots Must Contemplate

ByEfstathios Savvidis|
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Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Deontae Lawson (0) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Dec 19, 2025; Norman, OK, USA; Alabama Crimson Tide linebacker Deontae Lawson (0) against the Oklahoma Sooners during the CFP National Playoff First Round at Gaylord Family Oklahoma Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images | Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

During his pre-draft press conference on Monday, one of the things that the New England Patriots Executive Vice President of Player Personnel, Eliot Wolf, highlighted was the depth in this year’s linebacker class– specifically among prospects expected to be selected on Day 3. This isn’t the first time that Wolf has hinted towards New England drafting an off-ball linebacker, as he previously mentioned adding one back at the NFL Combine. 

Although linebacker isn’t a pressing need for the Patriots, they could use more depth at the position following the departures of Jahlani Tavai, Jack Gibbens, and Marte Mapu. With Wolf determined to inject some youth at the position, he should look no further than Alabama linebacker Deontae Lawson. 

Ex-Alabama Standout Deontae Lawson Fits Patriots' Mold At LB

Led by Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss, the Patriots have a solid core at linebacker; however, they lack quality depth at the position. At the moment, New England’s current backup linebackers are K.J. Britt, Chad Muma, and Otis Reese IV. 

While both Britt and Muma have experience, they haven’t displayed much promise of being a meaningful contributor in a rotational role. Not only that, but the pair also spent last season primarily playing on special teams. Meanwhile, it’s unknown what Reese brings to the table, given that he’s played in just 179 defensive snaps. 

That’s why adding Lawson to the mix should be a priority. Lawson, 23, played five years for the Crimson Tide, serving the last three years as a starter. During his time at Tuscaloosa, Lawson excelled against the run, recording 42 stops this past season, earning himself an 83.6 run-defense grade, per Pro Football Focus. 

Lawson's also proven capable of generating pressure, combining for 41 hurries for his career. The only area he must improve upon at the next level is in coverage. Although he’s regarded more for his play as a down-hill linebacker, he’s displayed progression in coverage over the last two seasons, allowing 61 receptions on 73 targets for 499 yards across 26 games. 

According to NFL.com’s draft analyst Lance Zierlein, Lawson is projected to be selected in either the sixth or seventh round. Considering that the Patriots have eight picks in Day 3, it gives them a clear path towards acquiring Lawson.

Lawson would be a strong fit for the Patriots’ defense. At 6'2" and 226 pounds, he matches the mold of what the Patriots are looking for in a linebacker. With New England’s linebackers typically ranging from 6'1" to 6'3" and weighing between 230 and 240 pounds, he falls squarely within their preferred build. 

If the Patriots were to select Lawson, it would be a challenging path for him to make the roster. However, he has a shot at doing so. As it stands, the Patriots will lean towards using Spillane, Elliss, and Britt as their top linebackers, leaving limited opportunities for anyone else. 

To make the roster, not only must he outperform Muma and Reese in training camp, but he must also become a contributor to the special teams, as these are likely the only reps he’ll see in his first season.

Head coach Mike Vrabel clearly likes the traditional linebackers who have speed and can hold their own in coverage. Lawson’s profile fits well with this. He possesses similar traits and capabilities to the other Patriots’ linebackers, making him a strong candidate to be selected by Wolf and company. 

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