Previewing this year’s linebacker class ahead of the draft.
With only a few days until the 2025 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots are in the process of putting the finishing touches on their board. What that board will look like is, of course, a closely-guarded secret. There will be some linebackers on it, though, especially considering that the team is in the process of rebuilding the room.
So, with that said, let’s take a look at some of the prospects that might make sense for New England this year.
Patriots’ current linebacker situation
Thanks to the release of Ja’Whaun Bentley, and to a lesser degree that of Sione Takitaki, the Patriots’ linebacker room is guaranteed to look different in 2025. Leading the charge heading into the first season under head coach Mike Vrabel is one of his former players, free agency signing Robert Spillane.
At the moment, Spillane is joined in the room by fellow free agency investments Christian Ellis and Jack Gibbens as well as returnees Jahlani Tavai and Monty Rice. What the group will actually look like beyond the draft and heading toward training camp remains to be seen, though. On paper, there appears to be serious potential to add more young talent to the fold.
Patriots NFL Draft fits at linebacker
Jalon Walker (Georgia): Walker is not a pure off-ball linebacker, and he is not a pure edge either. What he is is a damn good football player who fits what the Patriots are building both on and off the field. Whether that will prompt them to invest a high first-round draft pick in a tweener like him remains to be seen, but he could end up being Mike Vrabel’s version of Dont’a Hightower. | Consensus big board: No. 11
Jihaad Campbell (Alabama): A two-year starter for the Crimson Tide, Campbell combines size with an explosive skillset and natural versatility to play on and off the ball. His lack of experience shines through every now and then, but he has the tools to become a three-down defender early in his career. | Consensus big board: No. 14
Carson Schwesinger (UCLA): Standing at 6-foot-2, 242 pounds, Schwesinger is your typical modern-day linebacker. He is a fluid mover who has sideline-to-sideline range and projects to be a factor when shooting downhill against the run or as a pass rusher, and when dropping out into man and zone coverage. He too is a developing player, but one whose future looks bright based on his 2024 performance. | Consensus big board: No. 45
Danny Stutsman (Oklahoma): Stutsman combines size, speed and the mentality coaches love in their linebackers. A potential starter early in his career, who is a menace when coming downhill, he is not yet a fully-rounded player at the position. However, his skills as are undeniable and he could be a tone-setter at the position for years to come. | Consensus big board: No. 94
Jeffrey Bassa (Oregon): What he lacks in stature, Bassa makes up for in range, movement skills and mentality. A team leader at Oregon, where he was responsible for making on-field calls and handling pre-snap adjustments, he is best suited to work in the passing game and on special teams early on in his career. | Consensus big board: No. 124
Smael Mondon Jr. (Georgia): There are some questions about Mondon Jr. related to his injury history and play speed, but he has the physical skill you want from an off-ball ‘backer. A top-tier athlete, who posted a 9.42 Relative Athletic Score during the pre-draft process, he can be a quality NFL starter with the right coaching. | Consensus big board: No. 126
Cody Simon (Ohio State): Simon played bigger than his 6-foot-2, 232-pound frame in college. His quick processor allows him to be fast to the ball, and he also is a plus-locker room presence. He may not be the most electric athlete, but he is a player who can absolutely contribute on defense and special teams from Day 1. | Consensus big board: No. 155
Nick Martin (Oklahoma State): The only known off-ball linebacker to visit the Patriots before the draft, Martin is only 5-foot-11 and 221 pounds. However, his straight-line speed is impressive and he offers the overall athleticism to hold his own at the next level. At worst, he will be a five-unit special teamer for years to come as well as a valuable package defender. | Consensus big board: No. 196
Shemar James (Florida): James may be undersized by conventional standards, but the 6-foot-1, 222-pounder has the athletic skill to make up for it. He is a true sideline-to-sideline defender at the second level, but needs some development as far as his read-and-react skills are concerned. | Consensus big board: No. 206
Kain Medrano (UCLA): The Robin to Carson Schwesinger’s Batman, Medrano can absolutely fly over the football field. He is on the smaller side and tends to play too aggressively at times, but at the very least should be an immediate contributor in the kicking game. | Consensus big board: No. 241
One of these 10 players finding their way to New England over draft weekend would not come as a surprise, especially with Walker appearing to be a sneaky candidate to be drafted by the team in Round 1. Regardless of what they will do, though, Robert Spillane and Christian Elliss are likely to get some company in the “roster lock” category later this week.