The Patriots may be targeting a linebacker with their first pick in the NFL Draft, and there’s one highly touted prospect who fits their system perfectly, according to an AFC exec.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler quotes an unnamed AFC executive in his latest draft roundup talking about how the Georgia product would be a great fit in Foxborough. "Small and slow doesn't help, but he's a baller,” the person said. “Could see him fitting in New England because of the traits and the ability to run the show. Similar to Jerod Mayo from that standpoint.”
Mayo enjoyed an excellent career with the Patriots, who drafted him with the No. 10 overall pick in the 2008 draft. The middle linebacker played eight seasons in New England and made two Pro Bowls, piling up more than 100 tackles on four occasions.
Dean is viewed as a playmaker as well, especially in today’s NFL where undersized linebackers are often deployed to cover smaller and shiftier pass-catchers. Dean stands at 5-foot-11 and weighs 229 pounds.
At Georgia last season, Dean accumulated 72 tackles and 10.5 tackles for loss, as well as six sacks and two forced fumbles. An AFC scout told Fowler Dean is one of the “best people” he’s ever evaluated. “He will learn the playbook in two days. Minimal deficiencies,” the scout said.
Bill Belichick puts a premium on football intelligence, so it sounds like Dean could be a nice fit here. He’s met multiple times with Patriots representatives, including Belichick and Matt Patricia. Earlier this month, Dean told reporters about the similarities between the Patriots’ defensive scheme and what the Bulldogs run.
“I definitely enjoyed talking ball with them,” Dean said.
The Patriots pick at No. 21 overall.