Patriots Take Purdue LB In 5th Round Of Draft

After dealing their 4th round pick, number 114 overall, to the Detroit Lions, in exchange for a 2019 third rounder, the New England Patriots finally made their first selection of day three of the 2018 NFL Draft in round five. 

With their fifth round pick, number 143 overall, the Patriots selected inside linebacker Ja'Whaun Bentley from Purdue.

According to his draft page, Bentley is an extremely physical player, who loves contact.

Former Patriot linebacker Rosevelt Colvin, who also played his college ball at Purdue, was quick to offer up some praise for the newly drafted Patriot, saying on twitter, "Kids the real deal."

At 6'2", 260 pounds, the former Boilermaker will likely add a solid body inside against the run for the Patriots' front seven.

According to Patriots Insider Mike Reiss, Bentley, who was not invited to the Combine, did play in the Senior Bowl. Reiss says playing on the line a bit in that game could have intrigued the Pats, who tend to like versatile players.