(Photo by BsuOrangeCrush)
In this series, we will analyze one Patriots’ draft prospect each week leading up the the 2018 NFL Draft on April 26th. This week, let’s focus on Boise State linebacker Leighton Vander Esch.
With free agency having concluded for the most part, it’s time to shift the focus to arguably the most important team building piece of the offseason: the draft. Draft prospects are so coveted in the NFL because of their talent, youth, and inexpensive contracts. While a good draft class can elevate a franchise, a bad one can torpedo its hopes and aspirations. Considering that every drafted rookie plays on a 4-year deal (with a slightly more expensive option for a 5th year in the case of first round picks), draft picks are great assets because teams are guaranteed plenty of time to develop the young players. On the other hand--in large part because draft eligibility requires three years in college--many rookies are capable of making a major impact right away.
For the Patriots, the draft is more important than ever. The team needs immediate contributions from its picks in order to maximize the Brady window, but it also needs to begin planning for the future. As evidenced by an embarrassing performance in Super Bowl LII, the defense is in need of legitimate help. On the other hand, the offense (with the exception of offensive tackle) mostly needs developmental prospects for future consideration. With all of this in mind, allow me to present my inaugural Patriots’ draft target: Leighton Vander Esch.
Player: Leighton Vander Esch (LB), Boise State
Measurables:
Height: 6’4”
Weight: 256 lbs
40 Yard Dash: 4.65 seconds
Vertical: 39.5”
Summary:
Mike Mayock has Vander Esch ranked as his third-best linebacker in the draft, notably ahead of Alabama stud Rashaan Evans, and with good reason--Vander Esch is a tenacious tackling machine with a nose for the football and outstanding physical traits. With 141 total tackles, Vander Esch always seems to be around the football. He has great height, exceptional athleticism, and the potential to add even more strength to his frame.
His 5 pass defenses and 2 interceptions in 2017 don’t do justice to his abilities in man coverage; he has the size to play at the line of scrimmage but the hip flexibility and speed to run with any tight end or running back. Vander Esch’s superb blitzing ability is also demonstrated by his 8.5 tackles for loss and 4 forced fumbles. Vander Esch plays fast and angry, and his quick bursts and sudden twitch movements from the position are evidence of his great movement skills and instincts.
The bottom line is that Vander Esch is a ready-to-play three-down linebacker who has an extremely high ceiling due to his physical talent and athleticism. Besides Dont’a Hightower, the Patriots have absolutely no talent at the linebacker position. Vander Esch would be a necessary reinforcement to the heart of the defense immediately and for years to come.
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