New England Patriots: Edge rusher named biggest remaining need
The New England Patriots biggest hole remaining after the draft is at the edge rushers spot.
The New England Patriots had a strong showing in the 2018 NFL Draft. After a difficult free agency period, where they had a number of important players signed away, they were able to fill those holes in the draft.
The offensive line was arguably the biggest hole New England had coming into the draft. Left tackle Nate Solder signed the biggest contract in NFL history for an offensive lineman, leaving to sign with the New York Giants.
The Patriots had a few options in-house to replace him. During the draft, they shored things up in a big way.
With their first selection, No. 23 overall, the Patriots selected Georgia offensive lineman, Isaiah Wynn. He will help out at either left tackle or left guard, both spots he has experience playing. New England also acquired Trent Brown from the San Fransisco 49ers. He will help out at both tackle spots.
In addition to the work done along the offensive line, New England added to their secondary with two cornerbacks and at the second level of their defense with two linebackers.
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Some fans will come away disappointed that the Patriots didn’t select a quarterback to groom. New England waited until the seventh round to select a quarterback, landing LSU’s Danny Etling. Etling needs a lot of work to develop into even a serviceable backup at this point.
With Tomy Brady and Brian Hoyer at quarterback, it was not an immediate need. Where the Patriots do need help, even after the draft, is a pass rusher.
Right now, Trey Flowers and Adrian Clayborn are the only consistent pass rushing options that New England has. That is why an edge rusher was selected as the biggest remaining hole on the roster following the draft.
Here is what they had to say about it at ESPN.
"It’s often hard to identify holes with the Patriots because they’ve got a deep roster, but the area they’re relying the most on for improvement this year is the edge spot (outside of Trey Flowers). Adrian Clayborn’s big 2017 stat line came courtesy of Dallas coach Jason Garrett and the Chaz Green at Left Tackle Experiment. Deatrich Wise and Derek Rivers also deserve real cracks at the slot, and Rivers was highly touted coming out of college before missing all of the 2017 season. It’s likely the Patriots will get something out of this spot. But with Flowers better suited as a second-banana rusher rather than the No. 1 guy, and the Pats’ uncertainty at this slot otherwise, their pass rush could again be an issue."
Last season the Patriots actually fared well in the sacks department, racking up 42 in 2017. However, their pass defense wasn’t great, as they were third to last in the NFL in passing yards allowed per game.
A more consistent pass rush will help lower those passing yardage numbers. Clayborn will help in that area, but they didn’t do much else to add to their pass rush. For a team that is as well rounded as New England’s, it may not be as big a negative as it would be for other teams.
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However, a potent pass rush can help take the pressure off the secondary, which the Patriots looked to reshape this offseason as well.