Patriots select linebacker Anfernee Jennings from Alabama with 87th pick in 2020 NFL Draft
By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
The Patriots double-dipped at linebacker on Friday, selecting Anfernee Jennings out of Alabama with the 87th pick.
Jennings follows up Josh Uche out of Michigan, also a linebacker, as the Patriots’ second pick at the position and third on defense in as many selections. Bill Belichick kicked off the Patriots’ picks with safety Kyle Dugger out of Division-II Lenoir-Rhyne University.
Jennings’ draft profile at NFL.com compares him to a former Patriot: Kyle Van Noy. He’ll have a chance to contribute early on as an outside linebacker in 3-4 looks.
Here’s some of Lance Zierlein’s strengths and weaknesses for Jennings…
Strengths:
— Honored as one of four permanent team captains in 2019
— Played plenty of football and shows good recognition skills
— Usually gets the best of tight ends as edge-setter
— Generates some push with long-arm bull-rush
Weaknesses:
— Face-up rusher with fairly rigid approach
— Doesn’t create enough indecisiveness with tackles
— Inconsistent hustle from the backside
— Leggy strider with below-average lateral agility
Jennings obviously comes from as good of a program as college can offer. The Belichick-Nick Saban connection is undeniable. Boil it all down, and there’s reason to be confident in Belichick drafting a linebacker out of Alabama.
Matt Dolloff is a digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Have a news tip, question, or comment for Matt? Follow him on Twitter @mattdolloff or email him at [email protected].
