The New England Patriots have had some inconsistencies in the last few seasons on offense. That is what happens when you have to transition from having the greatest quarterback of all time Tom Brady running your offense to anyone else. While things have been rocky on that side of the ball in New England, the defense has remained stout.
Bill Belichick and his staff have done a wonderful job fielding a very good defense regardless of how the rest of the team looks. Having a good defense helps overcome an underwhelming offense as that unit has helped the Patriots win plenty of games in recent seasons.
But, even well-oiled machines need a tune-up and upgrades at some point. For the Patriots, could that upgrade come during the 2023 NFL Draft? According to an NFL Scout that spoke to NFL Analysis Network, the Patriots have set their sights on Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders.
“The Patriots certainly have their eye on Drew Sanders. They want to beef up the middle of their defense and he’s a really likely first-round candidate.”
Sanders is arguably the best linebacker prospect in this year’s draft class. He tested very well at the combine, and when you add in the production that he had during the 2022 season with the Razorbacks, he is everything you would want in a prospect.
The former five-star recruit began his collegiate career at Alabama before transferring to Arkansas. It proved to be the right decision for him, as Sanders thrived as an off-ball linebacker while still flashing his excellent pass-rushing skills.
In 12 games during the 2022 season, Sanders racked up 103 total tackles, 13.5 tackles for loss, 9.5 sacks and five passes defended. According to PFF, he also registered 39 total pressures as a blitzer. That kind of all-around production is not easy to find, as Sanders is versatile and skilled enough to line up anywhere in the front seven, whether it is as a pure EDGE rusher or linebacker.
New England is currently slated to pick 14th and 44th in the first two rounds of the draft. Taking Sanders at No. 14 could be considered a bit of a reach, so a trade back is certainly possible. But if that doesn’t occur and he is on the board at No. 44, the Patriots will race their draft card up to the podium to announce him as their selection.
