LSU Football: Patrick Queen will bring alpha impact to the NFL
Draft Expectations
There are more positive traits than negative when talking about Patrick Queen as a potential day one starting inside linebacker. His range tackling, coverage skills, incredible feet and burst and versatility will have NFL teams looking to acquire Queen as a dynamic piece on their defense. He is currently projected to some in the mid-to-late 20s of the first round.
The New England Patriots, who have the 23rd overall pick, need help at two huge positions of their team, quarterback and inside linebacker. If their preferred new quarterback is not on the board, they will likely try to select a new leader on the defensive side of the ball.
The New Orleans Saints, who have the 24th pick, have some needs to fill in multiple areas but mostly in the short coverage schemes. Having a high-IQ and great coverage player like Queen might entice the Saints to select him. He could ultimately play his entire high school, collegiate and professional career in the state of Louisiana.
The Miami Dolphins (26th pick), the Baltimore Ravens (28th pick), and the Green Bay Packers (30th) are also teams that severe need for defensive leadership and reliability at the inside linebacker position. All three teams have a 3-4 defensive front where they can place Queen at the spot that primarily utilizes coverage schemes.
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Queen has the reliable to be Pro Bowl potential in his NFL career if he is developed efficiently with his new NFL team. This would require him to get stronger in the weight room as he will face much bigger and experienced players than in college. Look for Queen to be the alpha of an NFL-caliber defense the day that their team starts practicing.