BOSTON (CBS) — The Patriots selected linebacker Cameron McGrone out of Michigan with their fifth pick in this year’s draft.
The pick was made at No. 177 overall, a compensatory pick awarded to the Patriots after a correction was made on their initial compensatory pick package.
The 6-foot-1, 234-pound McGrone played just five games last year as he dealt with an injury. He recorded 26 total tackles with 0.5 sacks and two tackles for a loss. In 2019, he recorded 65 tackles with 2.5 sacks, nine tackles for a loss, a forced fumble and a pass defense in 11 games.
Cam McGrone is the newest Patriot!
Congratulations @McGrone_Strong, a 5⃣th round selection of the @Patriots in the 2021 NFL Draft.#ProBlue 〽| #NFLDraft
2021 #NFLDraft April 29 – May 1 on NFLN/ESPN/ABC pic.twitter.com/L1HJjQP3aI— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) May 1, 2021
McGrone joins Josh Uche, Michael Onwenu, and Chase Winovich on Patriots picks out of Michigan in recent years.
MI ➡️ MA
Welcome to the Patriots, @McGrone_Strong! pic.twitter.com/jsWwwvwuRr
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) May 1, 2021
McGrone became the third defensive player drafted by the Patriots, joining defensive tackle Christian Barmore out of Alabama and EDGE player Ronnie Perkins out of Oklahoma.