The New England Patriots entered the recent NFL Draft with linebacker as their most obvious roster need, eventually addressing it on Day 3 by selecting TCU hybrid defender Namdi Obiazor in the sixth round.
Obiazor, a 6-foot-2, 229-pound nickel-style linebacker, was highly productive in college with 302 career tackles as a three-year starter and is expected to contribute immediately on special teams while competing for defensive snaps as the season progresses.
Even after that addition, New England’s linebacker group remained thin following offseason departures including Jack Gibbens to the Arizona Cardinals, along with Anfernee Jennings, Marte Mapu, and Jahlani Tavai leaving the roster in various ways.
As a result, the Patriots continued searching for help and may have found another potential piece in former Missouri linebacker Khalil Jacobs, whose signing was reported by Ethan Hurwitz of SI.
Jacobs, a defensive captain for the Missouri Tigers in 2025, posted 47 tackles and three sacks for a top-25 national defense, showcasing leadership and production in the SEC.
Although he joins New England as an undrafted free agent and faces an uphill battle to make the final roster, Jacobs adds depth to a thin position group and is expected to draw attention during upcoming preseason activities.
