Mel Kiper Jr. predicts Patriots take star LB in first round

2022 NFL Mock Draft: Mel Kiper Jr. predicts Patriots acquire star LB in Spherical 1 initially appeared on NBC Sports Boston

It is really no surprise that professionals are regularly predicting the New England Patriots will decide on a linebacker with the No. 21 select in the initial spherical of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Linebacker, even immediately after a month of the offseason, stays 1 of the greatest regions of weak spot on New England’s roster.

Kyle Van Noy was produced last thirty day period. Jamie Collins and Dont’a Hightower have not still been re-signed. Ja’Whaun Bentley was introduced back again on a two-yr contract, but the Patriots still haven’t created any sizeable additions to the linebacker depth chart.

2022 NFL Mock Draft roundup: Experts forecast Patriots go defense in 1st round

It can be fairly probable that variations occur draft time, supplied the Patriots’ absence of talent, athleticism and depth at the situation.

ESPN qualified Mel Kiper Jr. introduced his newest 2022 NFL mock draft Wednesday morning, and he tasks the Patriots deciding on Utah linebacker Devin Lloyd in Spherical 1.

Listed here is Kiper’s explanation of the Lloyd decide on:

“I believed about a large receiver and cornerback right here, but Lloyd just feels like a Bill Belichick-form player. He is normally all over the ball, is a fantastic blitzer from the center of the protection and would make plays. The Patriots permitted 4.5 yards for each have last period, which rated 25th in the league. This fills a void with an impact player.”

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Lloyd would absolutely bolster the run defense, which, as Kiper notes, was an concern for the Patriots very last season. The Utah linebacker isn’t great in protection, even though, which is a trouble in an AFC East division that attributes loads of good extensive receivers, limited ends and go-catching operating backs.

A further linebacker who could be readily available at No. 21 is Nakobe Dean of Georgia. He is been a popular select to the Patriots in several mock drafts.

Whether or not it transpires in the very first, 2nd or third rounds, the Patriots unquestionably require to pick out linebacker early in this draft. It truly is these an vital position, and what the Patriots have on their depth chart ideal now simply just isn’t really excellent enough to compete with the Buffalo Expenditures.