Are The Patriots Set At Interior Linebacker?

One of the seven needs I had for the Patriots going into free agency was linebacker. Especially with Bentley, Van Noy, Collins, and Hightower being free agents. The Patriots re-signed Bentley on a 2 year deal for $9 million dollars. I think Bentley is a solid number 2 but there are some who view him as a mid tier number 1. So to be fair I'll average it out and call him a low tier number one or elite number 2.

The Patriots also traded for Mack Wilson from Cleveland. I listened to a lot of scouting reports and read a few. Wilson was projected 2 ways. A number 1 starter who would go in the first two rounds. Or a development number 2 prospect with the athletism to become a lower tier starter. Wilson was drafted in round 5 by the Browns, so we know how the NFL saw him. Also if Danny Shelton is any indication on how well Cleveland develops players, it could take until 2023 before the Patriots get the best from Wilson. 

The Patriots will also have Cameron McGrone returning in 2022. Like with Wilson, I went back and listened to and read his reports. McGrone was another guy people were split on. Some guys saw a starter with limited tape that would go in late round 2, early round 3. Others saw a Developmental backup with starting potential, just like they did with Wilson. And projected McGrone as a mid day 3 prospect. Again the NFL must of agreed because he fell to round 5.

Looking back at Bentley's scouting reports, he was considered a late day 3 to udfa selection. People had him as a depth piece at best but he's over achieved. So if the Patriots did their homework on McGrone and Wilson, they have three lower tier starters at best. And if they didn't, they have a lower tiered starter and two backups at middle linebacker. 

If the Patriots don't draft a linebacker in the first 4 rounds, we'll know what they think they have in these 3 guys. The Patriots play a lot of nickle and use safeties as linebackers, so they really only need 3 of linebackers inside. So Mayo and or Steve Belichick need to develop them. Something Kraft implied the entire staff needed to improve on after the Patriots had their huge spending spree last off-season.

Currently outside corner, tackle, and I'm going to say free Safety are bigger issues at the moment but I still expect the Patriots to trade down with the chiefs or packers and acquire some more day two picks. So being the NFL, anything is possible and nothing lasts long. So we'll just have to wait and see. Hopefully Belichick doesn't throw a knuckle-ball out of nowhere and leave us with our heads scratching come week 1.