Patriots Need To Sign Former Chargers First Round Pick To Address Hole On Roster After Draft originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The New England Patriots had a solid draft, but there are still some holes on the roster that the team could look to address. One of those holes is depth at linebacker.

The Patriots drafted Namdi Obiazor in the sixth round to add some depth at linebacker, but outside of Robert Spillane and Christian Ellis, the room is rather thin. The team has K.J. Britt, Chad Muma and Otis Reese, but the team could use a better, more experienced option in the room. Kenneth Murray Jr. is still a free agent and could be a solid addition.

Murray was a first-round pick by the Los Angeles Chargers in 2020. He spent last season with the Dallas Cowboys and has experience as both an outside linebacker and an inside linebacker. He has played in 90 games, starting 83 of them, in his career.

Murray has not lived up to expectations in the NFL, but he is still a serviceable linebacker who would be an upgrade over some of the Patriots' current depth options. Elliss is in a contract year and figures to start alongside Spillane. Spillane proved to be a great pick-up last season, but he is 30 and missed four games with an injury last year.

Depth is important, and Murray would bring an experienced player to the team, capable of filling in in case of injury. Additionally, he would not require a long-term investment. He could serve as depth for one year while the Patriots build Obiazor up into a better player. The Patriots have Super Bowl aspirations, and they would not want their season to be derailed because of an injury to Spillane or Elliss.

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