The Patriots need at tight end far outweighs the need at linebacker, and O’Shaughnessey will try to fill the spot behind Dwayne Allen on the depth chart. Rather than drafting a linebacker, New England signed undrafted free agent LB Harvey Langi, who will likely compete for a job on special teams.
The 137th and the 200th picks were crucial components in the Patriots moving up to take OT Antonio Garcia with the 85th pick. Bisnowaty scored an 88.6 SPARQ score, while Patriots’ tackles Garcia and McDermott both had scores over 100.
Barring a Jimmy Garoppolo trade, it was pretty unlikely that New England would take a quarterback in the draft. Kaaya had the production and experience to warrant a look from the Patriots, but after taking Jacoby Brissett in 2016, it just wouldn’t make sense. Van Noy posted nine tackles and an interception in seven games for New England.