In a move to address the linebacking core for the New England Patriots, they selected Alabama linebacker Anfernee Jennings, joining fellow draftee Josh Uche from Michigan as new LB additions. Even with the offensive upheaval that New England underwent this offseason, their defense looks to be even stronger, even after putting up a dominating 2019 season.
Slotting in behind Chase Winovich, another former Wolverine-turned-Patriot linebacker, Jennings was taken with the 87th overall selection, which fell in the third round. Even though NE did not have a first-round pick after trading out, they were able to recoup some value in Day Two of the draft, boasting a bunch of second and third-round selections.
By playing the WLB role, or the ‘Will’ linebacker role, means that Jennings will be asked to wear a few different hats while in the league, which will involve both rushing the passer and playing a bit of coverage, all while providing beef to help stop the run. Here are a few projections for what his NFL rookie year could look like.
40 Tackles
Not a super high number, mostly because of the depth that New England already has at linebacker, but Jennings is a high-motor guy who can come flying into any play and make a stop. Even though the injury bug plagued him at Alabama, he was still highly regarded and his a powerful guy who effectively uses his arms to make a difference.
5 Sacks
If Jennings were to reach this amount, then the investment made by the Patriots would have already paid off, and already in Year 1. With his ability to fight using his strength and his arms noted as one of his best strengths, Jennings should be able to acclimate to the NFL linemen a little bit quicker than most.
Playing in an SEC school, especially one like Alabama that continuously churns out NFL-ready talent, really does help players in their transition into the league, and Jennings was going up against the likes of Andrew Thomas of Georgia and Saahdiq Charles of LSU, so he has dealt with his fair share of NFL-ready talent at the collegiate level.
5 Tackles For Loss
Outside of getting to the quarterback in the backfield, Jennings is a prospect that has had success sticking his nose into the happenings of every play, trying to make a difference and be disruptive. With that kind of success and a nose for productivity, it would not be surprising to see Jennings put up just as many tackles for loss as he does sacks, provided his health does not get in the way.
Scouts noted that Jennings might have already ‘maxed out’ his potential at Alabama and reached his ceiling, but his potential to even produce at a little bit of a higher level presents him with a chance to put together a really solid NFL career.
By being able to come in as a backup on an already-stout front seven, Jennings should be able to learn the tactics and tools of the league, all while refining his craft in small portions and hopefully staying healthy in the meantime.
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