The Patriots have a few positions that they figure to hit with some premium picks — quarterback, linebacker, offensive tackle, cornerback, safety and possibly edge — in the draft starting Thursday. We've already addressed the QBs in two parts (first-rounders, the second group), and we'll tick through the other positions by giving you our picks early, middle and late:
LINEBACKER
2022 free agents: Dont'a Hightower, Ja'Whaun Bentley.
2022 starters as of today: Josh Uche, Anfernee Jennings.
Need: HIGH.
Draft class: Good and deep.
EARLY PROSPECTS
1. Micah Parsons, Penn State (6-3, 246 pounds, 4.36 in 40): Opt-out player. Phenomenal size and speed combination — and plays fast as well, especially on blitzes from the second level. Can man and zone cover. More of a chance linebacker than slugger in the middle, but he will take on blocks and get to the right shoulder. Had character concerns in his career that will have to be checked out. Has issues diagnosing misdirection play — can look bad on them. That would indicate slow processing. Not sure he would ever be a Mike for the Patriots, but he would make a dandy duo with Dont'a Hightower for the next year or so, and then you see.
2. Zaven Collins, Tulsa (6-5, 259, 4.65):
An unreal athlete for his size, and he's very booksmart. Player WLB in college but could be a Mike in time. Measured in at 270 at Indy medical check. What's he going to play at? More like a power forward in basketball than a quick guard shooting gaps; could be a classic thumper in the middle. Plays a bit like Dont'a Hightower. Not as twitchy as Parsons, but likely has less bust factor. Would not be surprised if the Patriots picked him at 15.
3. Jamin Davis, Kentucky (6-3½, 234, 4.47): If you're looking for a modern linebacker who can run similar to Devin White of the Bucs, then Davis is your guy. Has the potential to be a speedy Mike linebacker, but will need time to grow into the role. Can cover everything from slot to speedy tight ends — did a great job against Florida TE Kyle Pitts, a top 5 pick this year. A tremendous talent with vast potential in the right scheme. He should go in the first round.
Not considered
Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, Notre Dame (6-1½, 221, no 40): Irish only played him as a will as a space backer who can cover. Can certainly do that and he has great athletic ability, but Patriots use safeties to do that. Bit of a one-trick pony right now to be a first-round player for them.
Nick Bolton, Missouri (5-11, 237, 4.60): Can run and hit with the best of them, but seems very similar to Kyle Dugger. A good, productive ballplayer.
MIDDLE PROSPECTS (Rounds 2-4)
Peter Werner, Ohio State (6-3, 238, 4.61): Captain who can play inside and outside. Holds his own in coverage. Very smart. Will be a Mike in short order and a hard hiitter. A bit limited athletically. Development will need to continue.
Chazz Surratt, North Carolina (6-2, 229, 4.59): Sleeper pick. Started as a quarterback at UNC and volunteered to move to ILB in the 3-4 for NFL prospects. Smart as hell. Can quickly become a Mike. Really good athlete. Can he gain weight and still move? That's the big question. Has the smarts, instincts and physical ability to be a really good player.
Baron Browning, Ohio State (6-3, 245, 4.56): Athletic ability is there but instincts appear to be lacking at this stage. Rushes the passer better than anything. Can close in a hurry. Will get overdrafted on athletic ability.
Dylan Moses, Alabama (6-1, 225, no 40): Very experienced but has had injury issues and is still probably working his way back from knee surgery. Good player on the outside. Closes quickly. Good football player.
LATE PROSPECTS
Derrick Barnes, Purdue (6-0½, 238, 4.57): Flat-out just a football player. Doesn't have great size or speed, but he just knows how to play off the ball and has scheme versatility — started more on the edge. Leader and ferocious tackler. Fun to watch play.
Divine Deablo, Virginia Tech (6-3½, 226 pounds, 4.44): Box safety for Hokies who may have a chance to develop into a speedy and playmaking linebacker. Team captain. Great team-first guy. He's a tweener but shows really good instincts and hitting ability. Interesting prospect.
Nick Niemann, Iowa (6-3, 234, 4.48): Great special teams prospect who could definitely have a shot at contributing at linebacker given time to develop. Top-notch three-cone drill.
Buddy Johnson, Texas A&M (6-0½, 229, 4.57): Plays bigger than his size — was surprised he wasn't bigger. Plays like a mix between Elandon Roberts and Brandon Spikes. Wants to be a thumper in a bigger body. Not great in coverage.
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EDGE
2022 free agents: None.
2022 starters as of today: Kyle Van Noy (30 yo, last year of deal), Matthew Judon.
Need: Medium (depending on how much Patriots still like Chase Winovich).
Draft class: Good and deep.
EARLY PROSPECTS
Jaelan Phillips, Miami (6-5½, 260, 4.58): Went from retired after injury issues at UCLA (including concussions) to transferring to Miami and starring in one season to become the no-doubt most talented edge player in this class. Has everything you want in an edge player. Takes on blocks, chases down plays, appears smart. Plays like a more athletic Kyle Van Noy.
Gregory Rousseau, Miami (6-6½, 266, 4.66): Opt-out. Appeared to think he had a top 15 bid lined up, but Phillips ended up blowing past him and his workout wasn't very good. Plays strong on the inside, and some scouts think he'll add more and end up being a 3-4 defensive end. He's a much more athletic and sudden Deatrich Wise. First round might be a stretch for the Patriots.
Jayson Oweh, Penn State (6-5, 257, 4.37): Might be the most physically gifted athlete ever at the position, but had zero sacks this past season. Still, he definitely was disruptive. Insane workout. Three-cone of 6.9 is off the charts for the position. Only played two years of high school football. Is still very much learning the game. If someone can make him a good football player, look out.
Azeez Ojulari, Georgia (6-2, 249, 4.62): Liked him more than I thought I would given his size. Really good balance and while he's not all that flexible, he bends the edge nicely and is tough to block for taller tackles. Bulldogs have a pro system like Alabama. Might be overkill with Judon here.
\Joe Tryon, Washington (6-5, 259, 4.67): Opt-out. Very powerful young man. Not a whole lot of shake to his game and lacks man pass rush moves, but he just keeps coming and coming. Needs a really good coach to refine his technique. Will not stand up much.
Joseph Ossai, Texas (6-3½, 256, 4.63): Sleeper pick. Physically talented worker who is just relentless the entire game. Can rush outside or inside. Texas played him off the ball some and he could beat tackles, tight ends and pass backs on blocks. His closing speed in a straight line is top-notch. Had a great workout. Little tight to stand up in the 3-4, but he can do it and will work at it. Great kid.
Not considered
Kwity Paye, Michigan (6-foot-2½, 261, 4.57): The Rhode Island product is a good player with a low bust rate, but he's short and he projects more as just an edge. Patriots appear to be looking for more two-point players and I'm not sure Paye is that.
MIDDLE PROSPECTS
Payton Turner, Houston (6-foot-5½, 268, no 40): This is a man now. He can play anywhere from standup up 3-4 to three-technique and rush well. Depends on what teams think he'll do with his weight. Has been up around 290 pounds. But absolutely relentless and strong. Looks like an NFL player right now. Aggressive. A lot to like.
Ronnie Perkins, Oklahoma (6-2½, 253, 4.71): Worked out like crap but his film is excellent. While Turner is a power guy, Perkins is a standup player who can probably play some ILB if need be. Just a pain for everyone to block. Explosive. Doesn't fit the Patriots' player profile, but I'd be willing to take a flier on him later to see if something pops because he is a good football player. A tone-setter for a physical defense.
LATE PROSPECTS
Elerson Smith, Northern Iowa (6-6, 252, 4.75): Had 28 sacks in three years, including 14 in '19, before MVC canceled the season. Reminded me a lot of a young Jason Taylor on film, from his quick get-off to his slender build and body type. Challenged against the run, but he is a naturally talented pass rusher if a little stiff (so was JT).
Janarius Robinson, Florida State (6-5, 262, 4.69): Has all the physical tools you would want, and some of his tape is just eye-popping with power, quick first step, physicality, drive ... but that is way too far between. Needs a lot of coaching. But if someone can unlock his potential, it's all there for him.