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Top Patriots cornerback Malcolm Butler hits free agency this offseason, and it’s likely head coach Bill Belichick lets him walk. Rarely do you see the crafty head coach overpay for a player he’s likely able to replace during the offseason.
Texas’ Holton Hill is the perfect replacement here. At 6-foot-3 and 200 pounds, Hill’s body type is more than capable of matching up against elite-level receivers. He has both ballhawking traits and solid speed to keep up with any receiver at the NFL level.
New England’s defense has settled a bit after a rough start to 2017. But with a key piece like Butler about to leave, this pick makes a lot of sense.