Patriots 'Have Eye On' NFL Draft 'Best LB' Drew Sanders of Arkansas

New England will pick 14th and 44th in the first two rounds of the NFL Draft. Where does the "best linebacker in the draft'' fit?

The 2023 New England Patriots are perceived by some as destined to be the poorest team in the AFC East. If that is even close to true, it means there are more than a few roster holes.

Does coach Bill Belichick's team need to fix some offensive inconsistencies? Yes, which is why many mock drafts lean toward the Pats picking an offensive player at No. 14. (A latest example of the lean: New England's visit with TCU receiver Quentin Johnston.)

But even as the defense has remained sound, help is needed there as well - one of the reasons, according to an NFL scout speaking to NFL Analysis Network, the Patriots might have their their sights set on Arkansas linebacker Drew Sanders.

“The Patriots certainly have their eye on Drew Sanders,'' the scout said. "They want to beef up the middle of their defense and he’s a really likely first-round candidate.”

Sanders might be the best linebacker in the class. He began his collegiate career at Alabama before moving to Arkansas, where in 12 games last year he totaled 103 tackles and 9.5 sacks. The 6-4, 235-pound athlete seems like a sure-fire first-rounder 

Sanders didn't participate much at the NFL Scouting Combine due to a hamstring issue. But at his Pro Day, he did well, running a 4.55 40 and showing off a 37-inch vertical.

The Patriots need weapons on offense? A true statement? The Patriots would also benefit by adding a top-notch athlete on defense? True as well.