New England Patriots: 2018 NFL Draft Targets
By Hal Bent
INSIDE LINEBACKER:
The Patriots missed Dont’a Hightower last season after he went down for the year. While Kyle Van Noy filled in admirably, the defense would have been much better against the run and on early downs with both on the field. Behind the two, there is no depth: Marquis Flowers is only effective in the dime defense and Elandon Roberts allows way too many big plays.
A third inside linebacker is a must. Having another option inside allows Hightower to move around (when healthy) and play more on the edge and contribute with big plays (think his strip-sack in Super Bowl 52).
The best linebacker prospect is Georgia’s Roquan Smith–the only problem is where to play him because he can rush the passer, cover in the passing game, and run sideline to sideline (think Deion Jones in Atlanta). A step below him is Rashaan Evans of Alabama and Boise State’s Leighton Vander Esch.
Both would be a fit in New England and with a shortage of linebacker prospects both are being talked about as potential first round draft picks. Vander Esch is bigger (which Bill Belichick tends to like) but either would be an upgrade in New England. After these initial three there are no other inside linebackers I see with the potential to be a significant contributor.