Linebackers the Patriots Can Draft to Replace Kyle Van Noy

The loss of Tom Brady has grabbed most of the headlines, but the New England Patriots have suffered heavy losses on defense as well. Kyle Van Noy, who had become an integral part of the league's best scoring defense, has joined the Miami Dolphins.

If the Patriots' defense hopes to remain among the league's elite, New England will probably need to find a replacement for Van Noy in the NFL Draft. So with that in mind, here are three linebackers the team could target in the draft.

3. Patrick Queen, LSU

Patrick Queen could be an excellent replacement for Kyle Van Noy. / Michael Hickey/Getty Images

Anyone who watched LSU in the National Championship knows just how disruptive Patrick Queen can be. Playing in the biggest game of his life, he racked up 8 tackles, 2.5 tackles for loss and 0.5 sacks. On the season, Queen had 85 tackles, 12 TFLs and three sacks. He flashed some impressive sideline-to-sideline speed all season, and more than backed it up at the combine, posting a 4.50 40-yard dash. He's not as experienced as some of the others on this list, but Queen could be a real asset for NE.

2. Kenneth Murray, Oklahoma

Kenneth Murray has been shooting up draft boards recently. / Brett Deering/Getty Images

Kenneth Murray has been flying up draft boards in recent weeks. And assuming he hasn't taken himself out of the Patriots' range, he'd be a really solid addition for this team. Over the past two seasons Murray has tallied a combined 257 tackles, 29.5 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. He had a fantastic showing at the NFL Combine as well, posting a 4.52 40-yard dash, a 38-inch vertical jump and a 129-inch broad jump despite weighing 241 pounds. He'd bring some much-needed athleticism to New England's front seven.

1. Zack Baun, Wisconsin

Zack Baun could be a great fit on the New England Patriots. / Joe Robbins/Getty Images

Van Noy was an excellent fit in New England because of his versatility –something Zack Baun has in spades. In 2019, Baun racked up 75 tackles, 19.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks, 2 passes defended and an interception. He could be a fit for this team inside or off the edge, and if he's there at No. 23, he'd be a fantastic addition.

Join FanDuel Sportsbook Today. New users get a risk-free bet up to $500. Join Now.

Max Staley is not a FanDuel employee. In addition to providing DFS gameplay advice, Max Staley also participates in DFS contests on FanDuel using his personal account, username mstaley1212. While the strategies and player selections recommended in his articles are his personal views, he may deploy different strategies and player selections when entering contests with his personal account. The views expressed in their articles are the author's alone and do not necessarily reflect the views of FanDuel.