New England Patriots: 5 Sleepers to target in 2018 NFL Draft

4. Leon Jacobs, LB, Wisconsin

The New England Patriots absolutely love players who can handle multiple roles. When push comes to shove, they always prefer the defensive player who can make an impact on both the inside and outside. Simply put, Belichick values player with versatility more than any most talent evaluators and always seems to find guys in the draft who can play multiple roles.

Wisconsin linebacker Leon Jacobs is the next sleeper prospect on our list and his versatility would certainly seem to appeal to the Pats.

Jacobs played both inside and outside linebacker in Wisconsin’s 3-4 defense. He shows impressive quickness and natural athleticism at both positions, consistently ranging around the field and making plays.

Jacobs is an intriguing edge rusher who has an exciting pass rush skill set. His long and athletic frame give him an immediate advantage and he will explode off of the snap to put the opposing blocker in an uncomfortable position.

His ability to put pressure on the passer is legitimate, but Jacobs also has plenty of upside as an off-ball linebacker. He is a relatively powerful player who can certainly mix it up on the inside against the run. Jacobs was not asked to drop into coverage much in college, but he seems to have a solid overall skill set in that department as well.

Jacobs’ versatility is an obvious plus for the Patriots, as he could potentially help fill two important needs in the front seven. He is also a special teams asset, giving him immediate value on the roster.