The New England Patriots hinted at selecting a linebacker on Day 3 of the draft, and with the 212th overall pick they finally got him. Namdi Obiazor out of TCU is joining the team as a sixth-round selection.

Matt St. Jean: Eliot Wolf said the Patriots liked the linebackers on the third day of the draft. They followed through on that by taking the athletic safety-to-linebacker convert Namdi Obiazor from TCU. He’s an older prospect who tested well with 80-plus tackles in each of the last three seasons. Obiazor profiles as a backup linebacker and core special teamer who could become a starting level player if his mental traits carry over into the speed of the NFL. | Grade: C+

Pat Lane: The Patriots keep moving back and obviously don’t like what’s left on the board for them in this draft. Obiazor has a solid RAS, at 9.14, but he’s not nearly big enough to actually play linebacker for the Patriots. This seems like a special teams only pick. That’s fine, because they lost a bunch of special teamers last year, but I think there were some players on the board that could have helped more than him. | Grade: D+

Andrew Guindon: Obiazor is a reliable tackler and has the speed to cover a lot of ground on the field. He’s a six-year collegiate player who has plenty of experience at linebacker and on special teams. He could be a rotational backup as a rookie, which is what teams look for late in the draft. Obiazor also had no D1 offers out of high school and climbed his way out of the JUCO level, which you have to admire. He’s a solid pick, but there were a handful of linebackers that arguably should’ve gone before him. Nonetheless, New England needed depth at the position. The Patriots also seem to love guys with experience in this draft who could provide immediate rotational help. | Grade: B

The Patriots’ next draft pick is set to come at No. 224 in the seventh round.

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