The New England Patriots had to rebuild their linebacker corps in the 2020 NFL Draft, and they made a strong effort to do that through the seven rounds.
The Patriots took a huge at linebacker in free agency. Veterans Kyle Van Noy, Jamie Collins and Elandon Roberts all left as free agents in March, leaving a sizeble void at the position.
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Patriots head coach Bill Belichick drafted three linebackers over the weekend. New England selected Michigan's Josh Uche, Alabama's Anfernee Jennings and Wyoming's Cassh Maluia.
Uche, in particular, shows a lot of promise. His pressure percentage, according to Pro Football Focus, was higher than Ohio State star Chase Young, who went No. 2 overall to the Washington Redskins.
The Patriots traded up to get Uche, who played four seasons at Michigan and enjoyed his best season as a senior. He tallied career highs with 33 total tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 7.5 sacks in 12 games for the Wolverines in 2019.
New England is hoping Uche and 2019 third-round pick Chase Winovich -- also a Michigan player -- form a productive pass-rushing duo. And the Patriots will need it, too, because their two sack leaders from last season -- Collins and Van Noy -- both left in free agency this offseason.
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The Patriots had one of the league's best defenses last season, and judging by their 2020 draft picks, it looks like Belichick is hoping to win on defense in 2020. It's a smart strategy given the uncertainty at quarterback in the post-Tom Brady era.
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