5 players the Patriots could have drafted over Keion White in 2023
By Rhys Knott
YaYa Diaby
Diaby is probably the most direct comparison to White. He’s an inch shorter and 20lbs lighter, but he has the same versatility as White. He’s listed as an OLB but sacked Bryce Young after lining up at defensive tackle.
The Buccaneers didn’t take Diaby until the third round. He was the 82nd pick out of Louisville. He had a relatively quiet first two years in college, making just 1.5 sacks in his first two seasons. But in his senior year, his productivity skyrocketed; he made nine sacks and 14 tackles for a loss in 13 games in the ACC.
He led the Buccaneers with 7.5 sacks during the regular season; 2 came against the 49ers. And Lavonte David was the only Buccaneer to make more tackles for a loss than Diaby’s 12.
Yaya Diaby gets the sack here, but I love the E/T stunt with the big DT, Vita Vea on the outside. Diaby plays off it well and does a great job turning the corner and finishing. The Bucs will need to get home a lot to win on Monday. #Bucsfilm2023wk18 pic.twitter.com/RmCRlByZQP
— Steven Cheah (@StevenCheah) January 10, 2024
Kobie Turner
The Rams drafted Turner in the third round. He was the 89th pick, 43 picks after White was taken. He’s only 2lbs lighter than White but is 3 inches shorter.
While Turner isn’t a direct White comparison, he’s been a nose tackle for the Rams and has the quickness to lineup on the edge. He’s added some much-needed dynamism alongside Aaron Donald.
Turner has made 8 tackles for a loss this season and he’s recorded 16 QB hits alongside his 9 sacks!
If they tell you Kobie Turner is only benefitting because he's playing next to Aaron Donald...
— Blaine Grisak 💭 (@bgrisakTST) January 5, 2024
Here's a Kobie Turner sack with Donald not on the field. His motor is absolutely relentless. pic.twitter.com/i92MPwHGgi
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