Cravens can be expected to play the WILL linebacker position. He’d also be an outstanding candidate to play the “Big Nickel” position for the Patriots.
Jordan Jenkins from Georgia is a player that fits the bill of what Bill Belichick and Matt Patricia look for in outside linebacker.
McClellin was originally drafted by the Bears in the first round of the 2012 draft from Boise State with the 19th overall and used as a defensive end. He was reportedly on the Patriots radar in the draft but the Bears selected him two picks before New England selected Chandler Jones.
On Friday the National Football League announced the allocation of 33 compensatory draft picks for the 2016 NFL Draft, which will be held April 28-30. The New England Patriots received the maximum four compensatory picks: one in the third round, and three in the sixth round.
A downhill, instinctive linebacker, the 6’1, 248-pound Butler is a thumper in the middle of the field, runs a 4.67 in the 40-yard dash but is a three-down player. He was a member on all four core special teams units as well so he isn’t worried about having to earn his way onto the field via special teams either.
Fletcher has always excelled at being a special teams’ standout and a good reserve linebacker who can spot start when needed and always did a good job of covering running backs out of the backfield.
The Patriots continue to add pieces to the front seven this week. The team signed DL Khyri Thornton to the 53-man roster and also added four more to the PS
On Tuesday afternoon the New England Patriots announced they released running back Tavaris Cadet in a effort to clear roster space following the trade acquisition of linebacker Johnathan Bostic on Monday.
Patriots trade sixth round pick to Bears for Linebacker John Bostic