The New England Patriots hinted at selecting a linebacker on Day 3 of the draft, and with the 212th overall pick they finally got him. Namdi Obiazor out of TCU is joining the team as a sixth-round selection.
Let’s grade the pick.
Instant grades: Patriots draft LB Namdi Obiazor 212th overall
Matt St. Jean: Eliot Wolf said the Patriots liked the linebackers on the third day of the draft. They followed through on that by taking the athletic safety-to-linebacker convert Namdi Obiazor from TCU. He’s an older prospect who tested well with 80-plus tackles in each of the last
three seasons. Obiazor profiles as a backup linebacker and core special teamer who could become a starting level player if his mental traits carry over into the speed of the NFL. | Grade: C+
Pat Lane: The Patriots keep moving back and obviously don’t like what’s left on the board for them in this draft. Obiazor has a solid RAS, at 9.14, but he’s not nearly big enough to actually play linebacker for the Patriots. This seems like a special teams only pick. That’s fine, because they lost a bunch of special teamers last year, but I think there were some players on the board that could have helped more than him. | Grade: D+
The Patriots’ next draft pick is set to come at No. 224 in the seventh round.
What do you think about this draft pick, though? Do you like it? Do you not? Please participate in our poll and head to the comment section to discuss.
