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With the 204th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots selected Cassh Maluia, LB from the University of Wyoming.
Cassh-ing in.#Patriots select LB Cassh Maluia with the 204th overall pick. #PatsDraft pic.twitter.com/lA07PC1h7Z
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 25, 2020
Cassh came to Wyoming from Paramount High School in California. As a true freshman in 2016, Cassh saw immediate action at linebacker for Wyoming. Playing along side of Logan Wilson, he was a major contributor at linebacker for the Cowboys every season from 2016 to 2019.
Cassh was not projected as a draft pick. The attention on Logan Wilson probably helped Cassh. The Patriots were speculated as a possible team that might select Logan Wilson. In scouting Wilson, the Patriots must have seen some things that they really liked in Cassh to draft him in the 6th round.
What I believe that the Patriots saw was an experienced linebacker that is a solid tackler who can come up to stop the run, but also is a capable defender against the passing game.
Here is Cassh making an interception on Kelly Bryant last fall in a Wyoming win over Missouri from the SEC.
How about that pressure!
— Wyoming Cowboy Football (@wyo_football) September 1, 2019
Missouri's first drive of the second half ends with a pick in the end zone by @cassh7mula #OneWyoming #GoWyo #RideForTheBrand pic.twitter.com/9CBEbAfxz1
As to what is next for Cassh, I think he will be asked to come in and play some special teams and add some depth at inside linebacker for the Patriots.
Congratulations to Cassh Maluia on being drafted into the NFL!