If you take a look at the list of linebackers that the Patriots have had direct contact with you’ll notice that most of them look far more like inside linebackers in the Pats scheme than outside guys.
If you look at my Patriots-only big board you’ll see quite a few low round outside linebacker types who have the prerequisite 6-04 250 size, but none have met with the Patriots yet. Of the 10 linebackers the Pats have met with six of them are approx 6-02, 240 pounds. This is even on the small side for a weak inside linebacker in the Patriots 3-4 defense, where you need your most athletic tackling machine playing.
And with Jerod Mayo, Gary Guyton, Brandon Spikes and Dane Fletcher it would appear the Pats are all set at inside linebacker, so it is a bit strange to see such a collection of guys. So what gives?
Now I try not to read too much into it when the team meets with a player, but it’s clear that a trend that has emerged and I think that this potentially could signify a change in philosophy.
Usually smaller players in the 6-02 range tend to be a little more athletic than the the bigger linebacker types, and athleticism is one of the things you need most in pass defense.
There’s little argument that pass defense has been the Patriots defensive achilles heel the last few seasons, perhaps even dating back to the final drive in Super Bowl 42.
While most will point to the lack of pass rush as the problem it’s really not that black and white. A good defense is a combination of getting pressure (or just causing general havoc) without blitzing (so only sending four rushers), and getting good coverage long enough to let the pass rushers get there.
So perhaps BB is really considering some of these linebackers who are used to playing in space, and have the athleticism and speed that some of the bigger prospects lack to make more of an impact on passing downs. The catch is that they’ll need to be heavy contributors on special teams since it would appear that their value on run downs and against heavy run teams would be lessened.
It will be an interesting area to watch in the draft, but adding a quick athletic linebacker could be an immediate help on the downs the Patriots struggled most on the past couple seasons.
