 Wells adds speed and youth to the Patriots LB core. (USA TODAY Images) |
One of the biggest trends we've seen from the Patriots in recent years is adding guys to their linebacker group that are fast and athletic.
On Saturday, they added another one, selecting Mississippi State's Matthew Wells in the 6th round with the 178th overall pick.
Wells spent the last two years starting at outside linebacker for the Bulldogs, including 13 starts last season finishing with 45 tackles and four sacks in 2014. At 6'1", 218 he's not exactly big enough to be considered an immediate difference-maker, but he's the type of player who gives the Patriots depth behind their current starters and he could give them an additional player in coverage. He's got terrific speed, running a 4.45 40-yard dash during his pro day and also posted a 35-inch vertical and 9'10" broad jump.
During Mississippi State's pro day back in March, Wells was considered one of the best performers of the day.
"He did great," MSU defensive end Preston Smith told HailState.com of Wells back in March at the Mississippi State Pro Day. "We always knew he was fast, but we wanted everyone else to realize he was fast. That shoots him up the board."
It might not been as high as he hoped, but it shot him up into the sixth round and on to New England's roster. As we've seen in recent seasons it never hurts to have too many athletic skilled players, and it looks like the Patriots may have added a good one in Wells Saturday. The added speed should be an asset on special teams, and here's a look at some of the highlights from the newly added Bulldog:
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