The New England Patriots have made a big trade before the deadline and have acquired LB Kyle Van Noy from the Detroit Lions, per ESPN’s Field Yates.
From @JamesWalkerNFL & I: the Lions have traded LB Kyle Van Noy to the Patriots. Expected to be draft pick compensation in return.
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 25, 2016
Van Noy was the 40th overall pick of the 2014 NFL Draft out of BYU. The 6’3, 250 pound linebacker runs a 4.71 40 yard dash, but otherwise boasts pretty average measurables.
While I was high on Van Noy prior to the draft...
He doesn't fit any need, but I would love to see Jamie Collins playing on the same field as Kyle Van Noy.
— Rich Hill (@PP_Rich_Hill) February 12, 2014
...he has been a total bust for the Lions and has failed to live up to expectations- just like former Browns LB Barkevious Mingo. The Lions wanted to use Van Noy as a 4-3 strongside linebacker (SAM), which is a role currently held by Rob Ninkovich, Shea McClellin, and, at times, Dont’a Hightower.
Van Noy started his rookie 2014 season on the injured reserve, and our friends at Pride of Detroit note that Van Noy had been “playing poorly in most areas in 2015”, with just 7.7% of the Lions defensive snaps. He clearly hasn’t improved to Detroit’s liking in his third season.
Still, Van Noy has started all 7 games for the Lions this year and has played 60.6% of the defensive snaps so it’s not like he hasn’t been contributing. He has collected 23 tackles and a pass defended. He also ranks 7th on the team in special teams snaps, so he’ll have a defined role with the Patriots.
Patriots head coach Bill Belichick was able to call his friend Lions general manager and former Patriots director of pro scouting Bob Quinn to work through this trade. This is the third straight year where the Patriots have traded for a former 2nd round linebacker, after grabbing Akeem Ayers from the Titans in 2014 and Jonathan Bostic from the Bears in 2015.
Van Noy will likely be a special teams linebacker with some defensive upside in case of injury. He is under contract through the 2017 season.
The Patriots must have the highest draft pedigree for their linebackers with first round picks on Barkevious Mingo, Shea McClellin, and Dont’a Hightower, and second round picks on Kyle Van Noy and Jamie Collins. I hope sixth round rookie Elandon Roberts doesn’t feel left out.
The Patriots had an open roster spot after releasing DT Anthony Johnson. We will update this post when the draft compensation in reported.
The trade deadline is Tuesday, November 1st at 4:00 PM EST. The Patriots have also acquired TE Martellus Bennett, LB Barkevious Mingo, and CB Eric Rowe via trades this year.
Edit: The Patriots are getting Van Noy, pretty much for free.
More info: the Lions are sending Van Noy and a 7th round pick for a 6th round pick, per source. https://t.co/mo2F86tXNh
— Field Yates (@FieldYates) October 25, 2016
The Patriots are moving down a handful of draft slots and are receiving a player with starting experience. This is a fantastic move, even if Van Noy doesn’t contribute much on defense.