Patriots make brilliant trade-up in second round for potential star DT
By Mike Luciano
The New England Patriots’ draft started off with a bang on Thursday night, which saw Alabama quarterback Mac Jones fall into their laps. And that continued on Day 2.
The Patriots’ second-round pick, which was acquired after a trade with the Cincinnati Bengals, netted New England a potential star in Alabama defensive tackle Christian Barmore.
Bill Belichick saw that his defense needed both a run-stuffer on the defensive line and an injection of youth.
Barmore helps checks both boxes thanks to some uncharacteristic riskiness from this front office.
Belichick traded two Day 3 picks, in addition to the No. 46 pick, to Cincinnati in order to move up to No. 38 and select a player who was widely regarded as the best interior defensive tackle in this class. One of the biggest snubs after a very busy first round, Barmore will start his NFL career under a defensive guru in Belichick.
The Patriots and their fanbase should be absolutely thrilled with this selection. Barmore not only looks like a potential impact starter right away, but his potential over the next few seasons is mouth-watering.
The Patriots traded the 46th, 122nd and 139th picks to Cincinnati for the right to Alabama DL Christian Barmore at 38.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 30, 2021
The New England Patriots just stole Christian Barmore.
Barmore recorded 37 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and eight sacks from his inside position. While he isn’t the most explosive athlete in the world, he has tons of raw power and the ability to disengage from blocks and pursue the quarterback. As a run-stuffer, there are few, if any, better in this draft from a 3-tech alignment.
The Patriots did sign Davon Godchaux, but Lawrence Guy and Byron Cowart aren’t exactly the most inspiring duo next to him on the defensive line. Barmore should be able to start right away, or at the very least become a member of the rotation instantly. For a couple of Day 3 picks, that’s a solid trade-off. After all, the Patriots don’t need all of their draft selections this year thanks to their spending spree in free agency.
Barmore, once considered a lock for the first round, started to slip amid reports suggesting that he wasn’t the best with taking instruction and coaching. Apparently, those reports meant little to Belichick, who likely leaned on his friend Saban’s advice. Either way, Belichick has reeled in players with any sort of character concerns.
Molded by Saban and about to be coached up by Belichick, Barmore will receive the best defensive line coaching a player can possibly get, which will help his ascent to stardom. An absolute steal.
