New England Patriots: 7-Round 2018 mock draft in mid-March

The Patriots go back to the defensive side of the ball when they go on the clock with their own pick in the second round of this mock draft. With the 63rd overall selection, the Pats select Texas linebacker Malik Jefferson.

Jefferson is an extremely fast and athletic linebacker prospect who has a ton of natural upside at the next level. Jefferson’s range at the linebacker position immediately stands out on tape as he shows the ability to make plays against the run and in pass coverage from sideline-to-sideline.

Simply put, the University of Texas product is a high-level playmaker at the linebacker position who can make an immediate impact at the next level.

While he has all of the skills needed to be a star defensive player at the next level, Jefferson is not the most consistent linebacker. His field awareness is lacking, causing Jefferson to put himself out of position a lot of the time. When Jefferson was allowed to roam the field and make plays naturally as a linebacker, he shined. However, when he was given specific responsibilities that forced him to think and make decisions, he struggled.

Jefferson is not a perfect linebacker prospect. However, his speed and athleticism at the position is awfully impressive and gives him ridiculous upside at the next level. The New England Patriots desperately need speed on the defensive side of the ball, making Jefferson a strong fit.

His lack of field awareness is concerning, but Jefferson is a player who is worth taking a chance on. He could quickly become a major contributor for the Pats on the defensive side of the ball and would undoubtedly be a big-time special teams weapon.