Wide receiver? Nope. Edge rusher? Not exactly. Todd McShay has other ideas for the Patriots.
The ESPN.com draft analyst released his most recent Mock Draft Wednesday morning and surfaced an interesting name for the Pats when it came to the No. 21 overall pick: Nakobe Dean.
Writes McShay: This guy is perfect for the Patriots. With Dont'a Hightower hitting free agency, there's a spot open in the middle of that defense, too. New England's passing defense was stout in the 2021, but its 4.5 yards allowed per run tied for the eighth worst in the league. Dean has an incredible motor, fighting through blocks and making tackles in space. He has range both against the run and in coverage, and he can even contribute as a pass-rusher. I absolutely love watching his tape. Dean could be Bill Belichick's leader on defense, and his relentlessness and exceptional instincts will make him an instant-impact player.
A case can certainly be made for the Georgia inside linebacker, particularly with the uncertainty when it comes to the overall speed of the Patriots' linebacking corps.
Click here for NFL.com's analysis when it comes the 5-foot-11, 229-pound junior from Mississippi.