New England Patriots 7 Round Mock Draft 2.0

Sep 14, 2013; Lexington, KY, USA; Louisville Cardinals linebacker Preston Brown (2) celebrates against the Kentucky Wildcats at Commonwealth Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Zerof-USA TODAY Sports

Round Four, Pick 130: Preston Brown (ILB, Louisville)

After the big three needs of the Patriots, a number of needs pop up afterwards, with linebacker being one of the more pressing. I have had Patriots fans talk to me on twitter about why the Patriots would possibly need another linebacker with Jamie Collins, Donta Hightower and Jerod Mayo in fold, but after that, the cupboard is bare. Dane Fletcher went to Tampa Bay, and all that’s left for backup linebackers is practice squader Steve Beauharnais, hardly good enough on a great defense. That’s why I would like to see the Patriots grab at least one linebacker in the draft, and a personal favourite here is Louisville’s Preston Brown. He’s a thick inside linebacker at 6’1, 251 pounds, but makes up for it with good strength, although low end speed. He could be a quality addition in the run defense, and could be put into coverage if necessary. An excellent tackler, he’s a player that could come in and be a quality backup that the Patriots desperately need in terms of linebackers, even if they might be playing less linebackers, and more defensive backs in their schemes this year.

Other Options: RB Andre Williams, DT Caraun Reid, ILB Shayne Skov