There may be no greater position of need on the Patriots than linebackers capable of playing off the ball.
With only two players — Dont'a Hightower and Ja'Whaun Bentley — with any playing experience on the roster, the Patriots could seek some immediate help after watching Jamie Collins and Elandon Roberts walk out the door in free agency.
And they might just go for it in the first round, if they stay at No. 23.
While Isaiah Simmons is expected to be drafted in the top 10, the Patriots will have some intriguing options late in the first round with Kenneth Murray, Zack Baun and Patrick Queen likely to be on the board — and they're all different players.
With Hightower and Bentley being similar players — thumpers who are known more for their power than their legs — the Patriots could really use a Collins-type athlete to give themselves more options and assets to deploy in the front seven.
Which player might that be?
Let's breakdown the top players at linebacker in this draft:
Isaiah Simmons, Clemson (6-4, 238, 4.39, Round 1): A complete athletic freak. In the hands of the right defensive mind, say a Bill Belichick, he could be a Hall of Fame player. If he's not handled correctly, his talents could go to waste. Doesn't have a definitive position. Has played everything from slot corner and safety to inside linebacker and edge rusher. Not the most physical player at a collision position, but the upside is so immense it's tough to pass on him.
Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma (6-2.5, 241, 4.52, 1-2): Could be a player who will be hurt by the lack of pro workouts because the Sooners' scheme didn't really have him do a whole bunch. Murray was mostly limited to reading the back, blitzing a bit and dropping into zone coverage. Can he cover RBs and TEs in space? There's some film that indicates that, but it becomes a projection. Not an overly physical player or tackler, but he plays similar to Jamie Collins. Not quite the natural athlete — Murray is more stiff in the hips — as Collins, but fairly close. Great character. Team captain.
Zack Baun, Wisconsin (6-2.5, 238, 4.65, 2-3): Played outside linebacker in the Badgers' 3-4 scheme but projects as an off-the-ball linebacker in the NFL. Usually played in space to the field side at Wisconsin. Showed good movement and shifty hips. A lot of positional versatility in the front seven. Can start at ILB or DE. Could be a subrusher. Might be a possible replacement for Dont'a Hightower down the line. That kind of player and versatility.
Patrick Queen, LSU (6-0 1/8, 229, 4.50, 1-2): Size is an obvious issue but he plays a bit bigger because he's well-built. Is more of a box safety than a three-down linebacker. Has a place in today's game, but you'll need a specific role for him if you're to take him in the first round. Reads the play quickly and often meets the runner in the hole. Not great at taking on blocks and shedding. Didn't start until there was a suspension. Just 20 years old.
Jordyn Brooks, Texas Tech (6-0, 240, 4.54, 2-3): Punishing tackler with terrific speed. Looks like he's shot out of a cannon on blitzes. Tracks the ball down from behind. Some concern on whether he can cover. Team captain. Doesn't seem to read plays overly quickly. More of a read and react downhill backer. Similar to Elandon Roberts in size. Faster than Roberts.
Logan Wilson, Wyoming (6-2, 241, 4.63, 2-3): First three-year captain in school history. Doesn't do anything at a special level but might be the most productive player in this class off the bat due to his smarts and compete level. Natural instincts for the game from reading keys in the run game to diagnosing pass routes down the field. Avoids blockers. Will get rocked a few times but finds a way. Good all-around player.
Akeem Davis-Gaither, App State (6-1.5, 224, n/a, 3-4): Father is the WR coach at Army and he's of similar high character. Played in space as a coverage linebacker. Great athlete who likely would have run well because of foot surgery. Plays smart, flies to the ball. Could be special on special teams.
Willie Gay, Mississippi State (6-1, 243, 3-4): Pro-ready body. Stiff player. Only started six games and missed eight games last year due to suspension. Great three-cone time of 7.08. Doesn't look like he runs very much on their defense despite being the Mike linebacker. Reminds of Brandon Spikes.
Malik Harrison, Ohio State (6-2.5, 247, 4.66, 2-3): Had a tremendous combine and his three-cone of 6.83 was out of this world. Weakside LB for the Buckeyes. Looks like more of a thumper but actually has the athletic ability to play all four downs. Doesn't play to his workout level. Not great instincts. Tough player.
Justin Strnad, Wake Forest (6-3.5, 238, 4.74, 4-5): Missed second half of senior season after at torn right bicep. Team captain. Looks like Nate Ebner on the field but knows how to play defense. Moves well and can cover. Has good instincts but lacks the physicality for a lot of teams at linebacker. Could star on special teams while developing.
Jacob Phillips, LSU (6-3, 229, 4.66, 4-5): Good all-around player. A little stiff and plays high at times, but is physical and will take on all kinds of blockers before getting off and making a play. Should make a quick transition and while the ceiling isn't high, he'll hit quicker. Good straight-line speed.
BEST OF THE REST: Davion Taylor, Colorado; Tanner Muse, Clemson; Markus Bailey, Purdue; Troy Dye, Oregon; Joe Bachie, Michigan State; Shaquille Quarterman, Miami; Evan Weaver, Cal; Cam Brown, Penn State; Cal Garrett, Missouri; Jordan Mack, Virginia.