NFL
By: Steve Atkinson
For the next month leading up to the draft, I’ll be picking three players from each position that the Patriots could end up drafting. This month I’ll be starting on the defensive side of the ball and with the linebacker position. Bill Belichick loves the defensive side of the ball and knows it like the back of his hand. Here are three linebackers Belichick could draft this year.
1. Christian Harris Alabama (Inside Linebacker)
Alabama LB Christian Harris is one of my favorite #Patriots draft targets. Sideline-to-sideline athlete, coverage ability, play strength to take on blocks, & impact blitzer/on the line pass rusher.
Projected late 1st/early-2nd rounder. Fits exactly what the Pats need. pic.twitter.com/D99DUZ18w4
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) February 4, 2022
Bill Belichick loves drafting players from places he knows well. His friend and head coach of Alabama Nick Saban gives him good tips on what to expect from each player at Alabama. Harris is 6-2 and 232 pounds. From NFL Draft Buzz these are his strengths
- Shows toughness to get under the pads of tackles to bull them, club them upfield to get the inside lane or fight through blocks for the secondary rush when the passer steps up.
- He will always try to plow into the largest piles and has a good knack of ending up glued to the ball carrier.
- Can attack the edge with speed and has the flexibility to dip low and under the tackle’s reach.
- Handles misdirection well with quick change-of-direction ability. Comes downhill quickly against the run when he has an open lane.
His weakness are
- Lacks pop and strength. Most effective when uncovered inside and chasing stretch plays to the sideline.
- He’s a work in progress as a pass rusher, with an upfield burst.
Harris has no major weakness to his game and will probably start from day one. He is projected to go in the second round of the draft.
2. Christopher Allen Alabama (Outside Linebacker)
https://twitter.com/mattalkire/status/1496089217469923330
The Strengths of Allen are
- Stays with tight ends and receivers in the slot with very good straight-line speed and change-of-direction ability for his size.
- Handles misdirection well with quick change-of-direction ability. Comes downhill quickly against the run when he has an open lane.
- Has the combination of size and athleticism worthy of development.
- Quick to read run, showing good agility and speed to get past blockers and finish. Experienced in coverage and gets a strong jam on outside receivers.
His weakness are
- Ducks his head and fails to wrap up at times. Inconsistent in giving full effort to be the second man in on the play. Must learn to use hands to beat blocks.
- Hits up high and misses more tackles than he should.
- Locates the ball but takes circuitous routes to go get to it. Should use power and long arms to take on and disengage from blocks. Inefficient with his angles.
3. Damone Clark LSU (Linebacker)
I have ZERO doubt based off just watching the tape that Damone Clark is a film junkie
Constantly pointing out formations, alignments, getting others aligned – and anticipating action! Every down presnap communication and signaling – like every QB of the defense should be doing! pic.twitter.com/9niBttROfR
— Ben Fennell (@BenFennell_NFL) February 6, 2022
The strengths of Clark are
- Great play strength. Pries open blocks with his punch; anchors effectively for a linebacker.
- Violent playstyle. Zero reservations coming up to take on blocks, even against pullers.
- Effectively tracks the running back and knows how to sift through traffic.
- great speed and fluidity when he triggers downhill.
- Effective Blitzer.
The weakness are
- Poor feel of zone coverage
- Trusts himself at times too much
Mike Reiss had him as a target for the Patriots in his Sunday column this week. According to Bleacher Report, the comparison to Clark is Ja’Whaun Bentley.
