With The First Pick
Fansided

2018 NFL Mock Draft: Final evaluations before the Scouting Combine

By Maxwell Ogden

SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - OCTOBER 17: Quenton Nelson #56 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish celebrates after a 10-yard touchdown reception by Corey Robinson against the USC Trojans in the fourth quarter of the game at Notre Dame Stadium on October 17, 2015 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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47. . Linebacker. Boise State Broncos. Leighton Vander Esch. 31. player

The New England Patriots are the epitome of consistency, but even the greatest franchise of the past 20 years has holes to plug. That’s no more true than at linebacker, where the Patriots have troubling inconsistency to address.

Thankfully, the Patriots have an opportunity to select one of the fastest-rising prospects in the 2018 NFL Draft: Boise State Broncos inside linebacker Leighton Vander Esch.

Vander Esch is coming off of one of the most statistically impressive seasons in recent memory. He produced 141 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, 4.0 sacks, three interceptions, five passes defended, and four fumbles forced in 14 games played.

Beyond the numbers, Vander Esch is a 6’4″ and 240-pound inside linebacker with the athleticism to play from sideline to sideline and good enough hands to drop back in coverage.

In terms of defending the run, Vander Esch’s size, fundamentals, and closing speed make him deserving of a Round 1 grade. There are concerns about a lack of experience, but the upside here is of a future All-Pro player.

New England may be the ultimate plug-and-play organization, but Vander Esch is the type of player who could join Dont’a Hightower in anchoring the defense for years to come.

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