Patriots Draft TCU Linebacker Namdi Obiazor at No. 212

Overview

• New England used the 212th pick in Round 6 to select Namdi Obiazor, a linebacker from TCU.
• Pats Pulpit’s instant grades split on the move, with marks of C+, D+, and B reflecting debate over value and fit.
• Analysts project him as a backup who can anchor kick coverage and punt units, with a chance to grow into a starter if his processing holds up at NFL speed.
• Obiazor converted from safety to linebacker, spent six college seasons, rose from junior college to Division I, topped 80 tackles in three straight years, and posted a strong 9.14 Relative Athletic Score.
• The pick targets depth after losses on special teams, and the Patriots are next scheduled to select at No. 224 in the seventh round.