The Patriots head coach is busy scouting prospects for the 2017 draft. After being spotted in Tennessee last night, Bill Belichick is in Tuscaloosa. Alabama HC Nick Saban is a former Belichick assistant and his defense is very similar to what tge Patriots run. These Alabama players will likely get their name called in the draft:
DL Jonathan Allen
TE OJ Howard
LB Reuben Foster
EDGE Tim Williams
EDGE Ryan Anderson
CB Marlon Hunphrey
S Eddie Jackson
WR Ardarius Stewart
OT Cam Robinson
DL Dalvin Tomlinson
The Patriots have long term needs at most of these positions, including DL and EDGE so I wouldn't be surprised if another Bama product ends up in New England. The Patriots have drafted Xzavier Dickson, Cyrus Jones, Brandon Deaderick, and Dont'a Hightower out of Saban's program.