Breaking down the full scouting report on Patriots fifth-round pick Cameron McGrone.
Cameron McGrone
- LB, 6-1, 234
- Michigan
- Indianapolis, Ind.
- 5th round, 177th overall
Strengths: Athletic and mobile. … Good instincts allow his read and react quickly. … Solid fundamental tackler. … Good speed to close. … Has the ability to match up with tight ends. … Effective timing to contribute as a blitzer. … Plays with a high motor. … Has range to play sideline to sideline. … Productive player during his career in Ann Arbor.
Weaknesses: Not the biggest frame for the position. … Doesn't play with great strength. … Occasionally lacks the ability to shake blocks. … Needs to improve his discipline playing in gaps. … Can get out of position with over-pursuit. … Injuries limited him to just 15 starts and is currently rehabbing a torn left ACL, which is expected to keep him out of action in 2021.
Personal: Was an elite wrestler and football player growing up in Indianapolis. … Attended Lawrence Central HS and earned All-County honors in 2016 as well as conference Defensive Player of the Year and All-State honors as a senior. … Majored in general studies. … Considers younger brother, Aaron, who is autistic, his best friend and an inspiration. … Twitter handle @McGrone_Strong.
Comparable NFL player: Devin Bush, LB, Steelers – Hasn't shown the versatility of the man he replaced at Michigan but similar in stature and style.
View photos of Patriots fifth-round pick LB Cameron McGrone in action at Michigan.
Michigan linebacker Cameron McGrone (44) tackles Michigan State running back Elijah Collins (24) in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan linebacker Cameron McGrone (44) rushes the quarterback during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Michigan State, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
The University of Michigan football team loses to Penn State, 28-21, at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pa., on Oct. 19, 2019.
Michigan linebacker Cameron McGrone is seen during the first half of an NCAA college football game, Saturday, Oct. 31, 2020, in Ann Arbor, Mich. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
Michigan State running back Elijah Collins (24) gets tackled by Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus, top left, and linebacker Cameron McGrone (44) in the first quarter of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 16, 2019. Michigan won 44-10. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Michigan linebacker Cameron McGrone (44) celebrates his sack of Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. Michigan won 10-3. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Michigan's Cameron McGrone (44) during the first half of an NCAA college football game against Rutgers Saturday, Nov. 21, 2020, in Piscataway, N.J. (AP Photo/Frank Franklin II)
Michigan linebacker Cameron McGrone (44) sacks Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley (4) during the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Notre Dame running back Jafar Armstrong (8) is brought down by Michigan linebacker Cameron McGrone (44), defensive lineman Kwity Paye (19) and defensive back Vincent Gray in the first half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 26, 2019. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Michigan linebacker Cameron McGrone (44) tackles Wisconsin running back Nakia Watson (14) in the third quarter of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. Wisconsin won 49-11. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Michigan linebacker Cameron McGrone (44) in action in the third quarter of an NCAA college football game against Wisconsin in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Nov. 14, 2020. Wisconsin won 49-11. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
Michigan linebacker Cameron McGrone (44) celebrates his sack of Iowa quarterback Nate Stanley, bottom, in the fourth quarter of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Oct. 5, 2019. Michigan won 10-3. (AP Photo/Tony Ding)
The University of Michigan football team hosts Rutgers at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, MI on September 28, 2019.
By the numbers
| YEAR | GP | GS | UA | A | TT | TFL | SACKS | YDS. | PD | FF | FR | INT |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | 13 | 10 | 38 | 28 | 66 | 9.5 | 4.0 | 33.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | 5 | 5 | 14 | 12 | 26 | 2.0 | 0.5 | 5.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| TOTALS | 19 | 15 | 52 | 40 | 92 | 11.5 | 4.5 | 38.0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
What they're saying …
"The Patriots could use an infusion of speed to their reserve linebacker group and McGrone brings plenty of it. Injuries have set him back throughout his career, but he's shown to be productive when he on the field in the run and pass games. – NFL.com draft analyst Mark Dulgerian
