After I lamented the Patriots lack of draft capital invested in the front seven, they made two picks on Saturday at the middle linebacker position, taking Ja’whaun Bentley and Christian Sam in the 5th and 6th rounds respectively.
Both should immediately step into competition with Elandon Roberts and could possibly push for playing time as rookies, especially if injuries strike. That’s how thin the Patriots are at off-the-ball linebacker. But both players reinforce our image of what the Pats look for at linebacker.
New England selects Purdue LB Ja'whaun Bentley. His 91.2 overall grade ranked second among draft-eligible LBs in 2017
— Pro Football Focus (@PFF) April 28, 2018
Bentley was a three-time team captain with a thick frame and a physical attacking style. That certainly sounds a lot like Roberts, and while he’s not the athletic, sideline-to-sideline kind of ‘backer I dreamt about before the draft, he certainly brings some strong competitive elements. He saw time on the line of scrimmage in the Senior Bowl and that could bode well for his usage. The Patriots defense will never lack toughness and Bentley should be a key part of that moving forward. If Roberts could carve out a role it’s not hard to see Bentley getting in there as a rookie.
Sam can be inconsistent, but he’s a football player and someone who just finds a way to get to the ball and make tackles. That’s such a Belichick kind of player, as the overlap between Sam and Bentley illustrates more focus on game film than measurables. Sam probably has more skill in coverage and that could help him get some special teams snaps early. If the Pats can get him to fully focus who knows what his ceiling is.
Drafting these two players showed that my feelings about the lack of middle linebacker depth being too thin weren’t inaccurate. Bentley and Sam might not have the sizzle of first/second rounders, but both are experienced and tough players who made plenty of plays in college. With some Patriots-style coaching hopefully both take big strides forward and adjust to the pro game.
The Patriots could certainly use both of them.
