/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/54536779/usa_today_9919841.0.jpg)
The New England Patriots have signed BYU inside linebacker and defensive end, Harvey Langi, to an undrafted free agent deal. Langi will join another former BYU linebacker, Kyle Van Noy, on the Patriots.
Patriots will sign Harvey Langi (LB, BYU). Not a surprise.
— James Christensen (@NEPatriotsDraft) April 29, 2017
Langi recorded 137 tackles, 11.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 interceptions, three pass deflections, two interceptions, and a forced fumble over 29 games during his three seasons at BYU. He spent time at both the inside linebacker and defensive end positions for the Cougars (and actually even played a little running back), but most impactful at linebacker, especially during his junior year in 2015.
Langi has good size (6-foot-2, 251 pounds) for an NFL linebacker and the upper body strength and physicality to take on blockers (see the clips from the Senior Bowl below). He’ll likely spend a majority of his time in the NFL at inside backer, but his athleticism and versatility could allow Patriots to use him as a third-down edge rusher if needed.
This is what makes Harvey Langi so good! He's just a bigger stronger more physical athlete. Bench pressing an offensive lineman into the RB! pic.twitter.com/THxNzqqiDo
— Benjamin Criddle (@criddler21) January 28, 2017
Harvey Langi puts yet another offensive lineman on his back and makes the tackle.. BYU pic.twitter.com/FSdyHnJgGB
— Benjamin Criddle (@criddler21) January 28, 2017
Many expected Langi to go in the Draft having received quite a bit interest from the Patriots leading up to the Draft. Houston Texans, Baltimore Ravens, Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Kansas City Chiefs also expressed interest, so it is a little surprising that he was available as an UDFA. He should be a great value for the Pats as an undrafted free agent.
Here are Langi’s NFL combine numbers:
- 40-yard dash - Did not participate due to a pulled hamstring (Ran a 4.62 at BYU Pro Day)
- 225 bench - 23 reps
- Vertical jump - 33 inches
- Broad jump - 9-foot-10
- 20-yard shuttle - 4.32 seconds
- 60-yard shuttle - 11.83 seconds
- 3-cone drill - 7.00 seconds
One individual performance that really sticks out in Langi’s career was the 2015 BYU vs. UCLA matchup. Langi had two impressive interceptions that really highlight his athleticism and potential as a playmaker.
Check out those interceptions at the 0:31 and 0:43 marks of the BYU vs UCLA 2015 highlights below: