New England Patriots: Five NFL Draft Needs
By Hal Bent
Position: Defensive Tackle
Expected Round to Target Position: Second/Third Round
Top Prospects Likely on the Draft Board at that Pick: A’Shawn Robinson (Alabama), Jarran Reed (Alabama), Chris Jones (Mississippi State), Andrew Billings (Baylor), Vernon Butler (Louisiana Tech), Robert Nkemdiche (Mississippi), Austin Johnson (Penn State), Kenny Clark (UCLA), Sheldon Day (Notre Dame)
Potential Contributors Currently at Position: Malcom Brown, Alan Branch, Terrance Knighton, Markus Kuhn, Frank Kearse
Team Needs Overview: The surprising release of Dominique Easley (and former contributor Chris Jones) finds the Patriots lacking depth at the defensive tackle position. The signings of Knighton and Kuhn should combine with Branch to give some veteran depth behind last year’s top pick Brown, but another young player to add to the mix is a must. Branch and Knighton will likely be elsewhere in 2017 and a big body to pair with Brown will be needed.
The failure of Easley in New England has been well-chronicled since his release, but the type of player the Patriots will target at defensive tackle in the draft should highlight how they plan their defensive front for the future. Easley and Jones were both penetrating tackles who could push the pocket (when healthy). Brown and Branch are big bodies who clog lanes first and rush later and they do not come much bigger than Knighton.
Fortunately for New England, this draft is deep at defensive tackle. While there may be few impact-making tackles at the top of the draft, the number of big bodies available on day two should give the Patriots numerous option to choose from to add to their front seven. Someone like Robert Nkemdiche with his red flags (suspension for marijuana possession, poor combine, etc) may give Belichick pause after dumping Easley, but if he drops outside of the top 40 picks, his first round talent may be worth moving up to grab.
Next: Defensive End