2020 NFL Draft: 5 players Patriots could take in Round 1
By Nick Villano
Patrick Queen
Multiple mock drafts have the Patriots taking Patrick Queen, and it makes sense. He hurt his hamstring during the 40-yard dash at the NFL Draft Combine, and still posted the fourth-best time among linebackers. Todd McShay calls him the best defensive player on the field for LSU on most downs, a glowing review for a National Championship defense.
Right now, the Patriots depth chart has Ja’Whaun Bentley next to Donta Hightower at inside linebacker. Tough to see the Pats going into the season with that as their only option. The team has a lot of needs at crucial positions, so inside linebacker might not be the direction they go in the first round when they don’t have a second-round pick.
Yet Queen is such a talent, it could force them to change their tune.
The Patriots know they are going to have to win with defense this season. Queen can really add a dynamic factor up the middle, who’s also really good at pass-rushing from the position.