Patriots: 3 linebackers New England can target in this draft class
By Mike Luciano
Patriots First-Round Linebacker Target: Micah Parsons
There are very few “sure-fire” prospects in this draft class, or any draft class, but Parsons is one of those rare specimens that just makes your jaw hit the floor when you watch him on tape. An inside linebacker with defensive end size and safety speed, Parsons has value as an edge rusher and stand-up off-ball linebacker.
No. 15 might’ve been a spot that Parsons could’ve slipped to earlier in the draft process, but his ridiculous Pro Day has pushed his stock up into the very top tier of prospects. New England will need to trade up in order to select him, but he has given them every indication that their potential pursuit will be worth it in the long run.
How would Micah Parsons help the Patriots?
Belichick has a fetish for linebackers that can stick their hand in the dirt to pressure the passer and back away from the line of scrimmage in order to cover ground in zone coverage. Parsons can do both of those things, and he pairs that with a violence in his game that Belichick will absolutely love.
Parsons might’ve sat out last season, so it’s easy to forget how he would take games over on the defensive side of the ball that year. Parsons could start right away in any one of three positions for New England.
Don’t overthink things. Take the athletic freak with experience in one of the toughest conferences in the country.
