After their 41-33 defeat at the hands of the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LII, it became evident that the New England Patriots need to beef up their defense in preparation for the 2018 season. One way to do it is to stockpile talent from the 2018 NFL Draft, where they have six picks, including the 31st overall pick. The Patriots are expected to take a quarterback at some point in the 2018 Draft, but ESPN’s draft expert Mel Kiper Jr. said New England might use its 31st overall pick to get some secondary help, with the impending departure of cornerback Malcolm Butler to free agency.
According to Kiper’s second mock draft, the Patriots might take LSU cornerback Donte Jackson, who is expected to show his athleticism at the NFL Combine this week. The 5-foot-11, 175-pound Jackson could provide an immediate impact for the Patriots with his speed and athleticism. He could serve as the third cornerback behind Stephon Gilmore and Eric Rowe while he learns the ropes in the NFL. Last season, he tallied one interception and just four in 37 career games with LSU.
Patriots could pursue Aqib Talib
According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network Insider, cornerback Aqib Talib’s roster spot with the Denver Broncos is in jeopardy as he could be traded or released in the next few days. Rapoport said Talib’s $11 million salary in 2018 could entice the Broncos to part ways with the five-time Pro Bowler.
If the Broncos release Talib, Zach Cox of NESN.com said the Patriots could pursue their former cornerback, who played in New England for one-and-a-half seasons in 2012 and 2013 after he was traded by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Since he was signed by the Broncos in 2014, Talib tallied 11 interceptions and 50 pass breakups. If they sign Talib, the Patriots could use him opposite Gilmore, who signed a five-year, $65 million contract last summer.
Aside from Gilmore and Rowe, the Patriots have Jonathan Jones, Cyrus Jones, and practice squad members Ryan Lewis and Jomal Wiltz in their depth chart.
Bills linebacker wants to join Patriots
Buffalo Bills linebacker Preston Brown had an outstanding year last season, leading the NFL in tackles with a combined 144 as he led his team to their first playoff appearance since 1999.
Now, the 25-year-old linebacker is scheduled to hit the free-agent market where he can earn the big bucks. Per PatsPulpit.com, Brown said he can help improve the Patriots' defense if they sign him to a deal. Adding Brown could give the Patriots an outstanding defensive player with a record of durability, as he appeared in all 65 games with the Bills since he was drafted in the third round in 2014. If he signs with the Patriots, Brown will be the fourth Bills player to join New England in the last two years, joining Gilmore, wide receiver Chris Hogan, and running back Mike Gillislee.
