Off-ball linebacker was the Patriots biggest need coming in to this offseason following the retirement of Bobby Wagner. Powell has the size to hold up in run defense in the middle of this defense at 255 pounds, and the speed to play sideline to sideline with 90 speed. His coverage leaves room to be desired with 57 man coverage and 49 zone coverage, as well as 71 change of direction. Powell could be a good blitzer or even become an edge defender if the off ball linebacker plan doesn’t work out. He has 81 finesse move, 75 power move, and 76 block shed.
Round 2, Pick 31: HB Phil Mafah
Following season 1 the Patriots really wanted a big play threat from the back field, and though Will Shipley was solid, he did not have the juice to break off big runs. The Patriots took another swing at that role and this time it looks like they hit with Mafah. Mafah has 94 speed at 230 pounds, with 81 strength to run between the tackles. He even is a solid receiver with 70 catch and decent enough route running. Mafah’s biggest issue will likely be ball security with only 74 carry, but that can be improved.
Round 3, Pick 31: WR Colbie Young
Thornton and Broden are two rising young receivers, but this offensive scheme likes to have 3 WR on the field at most times. Young is 6’5″ and 230 pounds. He has 93 speed and good run after the catch ability for someone that size. He even has high 70s route running with 96 jumping. Young provides the Patriots with another weapon that is tough to match up with for DBs.
Round 4, Pick 31: CB Devin Kirkwood
The Patriots CB room might be the best in the league, and the coaches want to keep it that way. Kirkwood could play CB or safety. He is 6’3″ with 94 speed and 75 strength. His coverage skills are still being worked on, but for a 4th round pick to land another versatile DB is a home run for New England.
Round 5, Pick 31: MLB Shadrach Banks
Another off-ball linebacker than can play tough against the run. Banks is not the athlete that Powell is, but he has better coverage skills and could potentially make a nice middle of the field duo for the Patriots defense.
Round 6, Pick 31: QB Alex Orji
Riley Leonard has looked like a franchise QB, but Orji brings a skill set that Leonard does not have. Orji Has already been turning some heads in training camp, but would need to really impress to earn a starting job. Orji still could have some designed packages specifically for him.
Round 7, Pick 31, RT PJ Williams
A solid depth piece on the OL, Williams has decent attributes to hold up on the line, but will likely just be the 7th or 8th OL on the depth chart. p
