The Patriots get a huge boost at linebacker this season with the return of Dont’a Hightower, who has been a key cog in the defense since he was drafted in 2012. While Hightower’s return will be a welcomed one, the nine-year pro is on the wrong side of 30 and has a long list of injuries to boot.
It’s no secret the linebacker position is changing with today’s pass-happy NFL. You have to be able to cover, and the Patriots have not been able to do so with their linebackers in recent seasons.
The team invested two early picks a year ago to bring Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings aboard, but the former figures to play closer to the line of scrimmage, while the latter often looked slow and out of position in his rookie campaign. Ja’Whaun Bentley and Terez Hall have proven to be solid contributors, but may be nothing more than depth options.
After seeing Buccaneers’ rookie Devin White flying all over the field in the Super Bowl, it’s hard to dismiss the value in having a linebacker who can cover sideline to sideline.
Linebacker may very well be at the top of the team’s priority list in two weeks, and top guys like Penn State’s Micah Parsons and Tulsa’s Zaven Collins should be right in the team’s wheelhouse around No. 15 overall. There are also a number of guys who could be in the mix on day two. But say they fill other needs early on and wait until the middle rounds to address the position; there are still a handful of intriguing options to be had.
TCU’s uber productive linebacker Garret Wallow could be a mid-round steal for the right team.
Garret Wallow – TCU
Week 1 Age: 22
Size: 6’2” 230 lbs
2020 Stats: 90 total tackles, 2 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, 3 forced fumbles
Projected Round: 4
Wallow capped off an impressive four-year career at TCU, which included 295 tackles and 32.5 tackles for loss, by being named First-Team All-Big 12 and Honorable-Mention Big 12 Defensive Player of the Year. His 90 tackles topped TCU for the second straight season and was second-best in the entire Big 12 conference in tackles and tackles per game.
A converted safety, Wallow brings ton of athleticism to the position with plus speed that allows him to thrive on both passing downs and in the run game. He comes in at 6’2” 230, which is typically considered undersized for an off-the-ball linebacker, but again, the times are a changing.
His days as a defensive back are apparent here.
Wallow is a strong blitzer with the closing speed to finish off plays.
He has some work to do in play recognition as he grows into the position, but his speed helps him make up for it. As supported by his tackle numbers, Wallow was a force in the run game for the Horned Frogs. Here he has good vision to identify the ball carrier, evade the right tackle and close in for the tackle.
Is he a fit for the Patriots? Wallow’s size might eventually rule him out for Belichick, who does value a traditional thumper in the middle of his defense. If he isn’t going to have a home in the middle of the defense, perhaps he would be a little redundant to 2020 second-round pick Kyle Duffer. But Wallow would undoubtedly bring athleticism to a position currently lacking on the roster.
Broken play, but great job here chasing down the quarterback.
Two other things that will catch the team’s eye…his insane 6.87 three-cone time and being named team captain as a senior. Wallow could come in and quickly contribute in the passing game, while developing into a three-down linebacker as he learns from one of the best in the league.