Fansided

2018 NFL Mock Draft: Josh Allen heads to Browns

By Brad Weiss

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 03: Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen throws during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MARCH 03: Wyoming quarterback Josh Allen throws during the NFL Combine at Lucas Oil Stadium on March 3, 2018 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
31 of 32
Next
LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 16: Boise State linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (38) tackles Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the second half of the Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, in Las Vegas. The Boise State Broncos would defeat the Oregon Ducks 38-28.(Photo by: Marc Sanchez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
LAS VEGAS, NV – DECEMBER 16: Boise State linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (38) tackles Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert (10) during the second half of the Las Vegas Bowl on Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, in Las Vegas. The Boise State Broncos would defeat the Oregon Ducks 38-28.(Photo by: Marc Sanchez/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

31. player. 47. . Linebacker. Boise State. Leighton Vander Esch

The New England Patriots will add to their defense with the No. 31 overall selection, especially after being destroyed by the Philadelphia Eagles’ passing game in Super Bowl LII. While they should use their first first round selection on a defensive back, adding to the middle of their defense with pick two makes a lot of sense. New England needs help at linebacker, and Leighton Vander Esch is as good as they come in the middle.

Vander Esch got a late start to his playing days, but has developed into one of the top middle linebackers in college football during his time at Boise State. He hits with a lot of power, and is one of the smartest defensive players in this draft class. He would be perfect playing in Bill Belichick’s defense, and after all the changes with the Patriots roster this offseason, more young talent is needed.

New England was shocked by the Eagles in the Super Bowl, so attention is going to be turned to the defense during the draft. Belichick and company were embarrassed by the Eagles backup quarterback, as Nick Foles went on to win Super Bowl LII MVP honors. The Patriots will be the favorite in the AFC going into next season, but if they do not fix the defense, they are going to struggle for the first time in a long time.

Home/NFL Mock Draft