Linebacker isn’t exactly a huge need for the Patriots this offseason, but that doesn’t mean they aren’t evaluating the position.
The Patriots hosted Kansas State linebacker Arthur Brown on a draft visit on Monday, according to Jeff Howe of the Boston Herald.
Brown spent two fruitless years at Miami (Fla.) to start his college career before transferring to Kansas State and finishing out his final two years of eligibility with the Wildcats.
Brown was named the Big 12 Defensive Newcomer of the Year in 2011 after piling up 101 tackles and 9.5 tackles for loss. He followed that up with another successful campaign in 2012, amassing 100 tackles, including seven for a loss in helping lead the Wildcats to the Big 12 title.
The Patriots are already stacked at linebacker with Jerod Mayo, Brandon Spikes and 2012 first-round pick Dont’a Hightower, but one of their biggest needs coming into the offseason was finding a solid coverage linebacker. Brown proved to be quick and agile in coverage, taking on both linebackers and slot receivers consistently during his two seasons in Manhattan, Kansas. He also intercepted 2012 first-round quarterback Robert Griffin III and expected top-10 pick Geno Smith during his college career.
Brown is on the fringe of the first round and may be a target for the Patriots when they pick at No. 29.
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Photo via Facebook/Arthur Brown
