Bill Belichick Scouts, Coaches Defensive Linemen At N.C. State Pro Day
Bill Belichick could be going back to a familiar school at the 2018 draft, this time to bring in reinforcements on the defensive line. The Patriots head coach attended the North Carolina State Pro Day in Raleigh on Monday, and even took some time to coach the D-linemen through some drills.
Belichick was particularly impressed with defensive end Bradley Chubb – as draft experts would expect. CBS Sports has Chubb ranked No. 1 on its annual prospect rankings. He’s widely expected to be one of the first players taken off the board and could be the first non-quarterback selected.
That’s why when Belichick chatted with Chubb after the session, the coach said: “We’re picking 31st, no chance we’ll see you.”
Bill Belichick getting a first-hand look at every defensive lineman at NC State Pro Day pic.twitter.com/vakhjOYyyw
— Pack Pride (@PackPride) March 19, 2018
According to Mike Blake of the News & Observer in North Carolina, Belichick and defensive line coach Brendan Daly scouted all four N.C. State defensive linemen at the Pro Day. Although they likely won’t even sniff drafting Chubb, they do have a chance to draft defensive tackles B.J. Hill and/or Justin Jones. NFL.com’s draft profiles project Hill as a fourth or fifth-round pick, with Jones slated for the sixth round. Kentavius Street was also there, but could merely be an undrafted free agent.
Belichick also reportedly looked at the two N.C. State running backs in attendance at the Pro Day: Nyheim Hines and Jaylen Samuels. Both backs project as mid-round picks, according to NFL.com.
So while Belichick may not find the Patriots’ next game-changing talent out of N.C. State, it’s clear that he’s going into the 2018 draft looking for front-seven help. He knows better than anyone that they need to add up front on defense, perhaps more than any other part of the roster.
— By Matt Dolloff, 985TheSportsHub.com
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].
