3 dream 2022 NFL Draft targets for New England Patriots
By Mike Luciano
830. Scouting Report. Darrian Beavers. 2. Cincinnati. player. Pick Analysis. LB
Beavers’ fit in a Belichick defense (or an approximation of such run by a former assistant) has already been talked up by draft analysts. At 6-4 and 250 pounds, the Patriots could use a second-round pick to draft someone who eventually takes over for Dont’a Hightower.
Beavers could take over Josh Uche’s spot thanks to his vicious tackling, smart pre-snap diagnosis skills, and quality as a blitzer. The Bearcats had one of the best defenses in the country last year, and Beavers making plays at the heart of that unit was one of the main reasons they were so dominant.
Darrin Beavers could fit the New England Patriots defense.
Beavers’ size means that he is not going to be the same coverage presence as he was in college. He’s not a very explosive athlete with great lateral mobility, so any value derived from Beavers at the next level will be related entirely to how he fits in as a run-stuffer between the tackles.
The Patriots might catch some minor criticism for passing on Nakobe Dean and Devin Lloyd to take a linebacker in the second round, but that could be mitigated if they end up with a player like Beavers at the end of this.