New England Patriots: 5 Perfect fits in the 2021 NFL Draft

New England Patriots perfect draft fit No. 3: Monty Rice, LB, Georgia

The Pats finished in the bottom eight against the run allowing an average of 131 yards per game. And an average of 164 yards in their final three games. The return of Dante Hightower and Patrick Chung will help, it’s not enough. Hightower will be 31, and a free agent in 2022. Getting not just his replacement but a right now contributor in the 2021 NFL Draft is essential.

Georgia linebacker Monty Rice is a plug and play defender with good football IQ. Despite not being used on third downs, he still managed 89 tackles in 2019 — and 49 tackles in just nine games in 2020.

At 6-1 and 235 pounds, Rice makes up in bulk what he lacks in length. He’s a downhill thumper who evades guards with elusiveness but isn’t afraid to get dirty. While he doesn’t have long arms, he has the strength and intellect to disengage from blockers.

He keeps his head up and eyes on the ball carrier. He’s an ideal stack linebacker or downhill inside linebacker. Although he doesn’t have great speed or elite flexibility, he’s capable of dropping in zone coverage effectively.

The former Bulldog doesn’t just lead by example; he’s vocal as well. He’s a tone-setter with bark and bites. His decisiveness, instincts and ability to stack and shed make him a ready now run defender.