Patriots: Biggest draft steal of every year of the past decade

2018 Patriots Draft Steal: Ja’Whaun Bentley

Regrettably, this one was slim pickings, but once again, Belichick found an impact linebacker in the later rounds by scoping through the dregs of the Big Ten! Not bad at all.

The 24-year-old Ja’Whaun Bentley experienced his first full season as a starter in 2020, starting and playing in 13 games while racking up 91 total tackles (50 solo). In a season unlike any other without Dont’a Hightower on the field, Bentley held his own after progressing slowly over the course of his first three years (three games, 16 games/two starts, 13 starts). That’s how it goes for rookies on a stacked defense sometimes. Seems like he learned some things.

Bentley’s competition for this selection was admittedly not steep; if you love Ryan Izzo, more power to you, but he’s proven not to be a starting-caliber tight end on a good offense over the past few years. Duke Dawson? Sorry, but no. Seventh-round QB Danny Etling? We considered it, but ultimately decided that pick wasn’t for us.

Hopefully, atop this draft, New England selected the future of their line in Isaiah Wynn, who finally seems to be healthy. Sony Michel, for all his warts, has already helped power a Super Bowl run, scoring touchdown after touchdown that no one can take away. Bentley seems to be a potential contributor down the line, earning the nod here almost by default.

Etling was tempting, though.