New England Patriots: 3 problems Pats can’t fix during draft
By Jerry Trotta
1. Edge Rusher
The Patriots might be filled to the brim with impact defensive linemen, but we’d be remiss if we didn’t convey our concern with the defensive end position.
While Matthew Judon, who’s registered 34.5 sacks and 103 QB hits over his first five seasons, figures to fill a massive need, the Patriots’ other edge rushing options leave a lot to be desired. They signed Henry Anderson in free agency, but he’s logged just 1.5 sacks across the last two years after a breakout seven-sack campaign with the Jets in 2018.
Despite their free agent splurge, the Patriots could still struggle to pressure opposing quarterbacks next season.
Behind that duo, New England has Deatrich Wise Jr., Lawrence Guy, Josh Uche and Chase Winovich. The former two players, while versatile, are arguably better served on the interior, and the latter two are linebackers by trade and still have a ways to go in their developments.
Nobody knows how the Patriots are approaching the draft, but we like to think that addressing their defensive line will be an afterthought — at least through the first couple rounds — considering how much attention they gave it in free agency earlier this offseason. Additionally, this year’s crop of edge rushers are…eh. It’s neither a deep nor star-studded position, and the Pats’ next young pass-rushing star probably doesn’t reside in this prospect pool.
After all, they signed Judon, Anderson, Davon Godchaux and Montravius Adams on the open market and retained unsung heroes in Wise and Guy. They even brought back Kyle Van Noy to bolster the pass-rushing department.
Taking all of that into account, don’t be surprised if the Patriots use their most valuable draft capital this weekend to upgrade literally any other area of the roster.
