Patriots: Latest development hints Christian Barmore is flying up depth chart

The New England Patriots have had the benefit of some tremendous drafts over the years during their dynastic run, but Bill Belichick’s magic touch seemed to have run dry over the last few years.

But selections like Christian Barmore in the second round this year have helped Bill show that he hasn’t lost his shine.

While Alabama quarterback Mac Jones (who was taken in the first round) will probably be the most impactful player, Barmore might be one of the biggest steals of the draft, as the former Crimson Tide product was regarded by plenty as the best defensive tackle in the entire class.

Belichick has some depth on the defensive line, meaning that Barmore could just end up as a backup during his rookie year. However, his varied physical toolbox has the Patriots looking for every opportunity to get him on the field. He’s already making a name for himself during 11-on-11 sessions.

The Boston Herald’s Andrew Callahan claims that Barmore has already started to see some snaps with the starting groups during scrimmages. Given how Belichick can be notoriously stringent with giving young players snaps over veterans, this has to be an amazing sign for Barmore’s stock within the organization.

Christian Barmore could be an impact player for the Patriots.

Barmore is currently slated for backup work behind the likes of Lawrence Guy, Byron Cowart, and new signing Davon Godchaux. The fact that he’s already impressed Belichick enough to earn some big-time while high picks like N’Keal Harry and Joejuan Williams are struggling to make their way up is extremely impressive.

Barmore recorded 37 tackles, 9.5 of which went for a loss, and eight sacks during his final year in Tuscaloosa, showing that he’s further along as a pass rusher than most believed he would be at the start of his last season.

Younger and quicker than Guy, as big as Godchaux, and stronger than Cowart, Barmore has all the traits that Belichick needs from a defensive tackle. Big enough to eat space, yet athletic enough to disengage from blocks and make open-field tackles, there’s no reason Barmore should be rooted to the bench in 2021.

Barmore has quite a few hurdles to clear before he ends up in the Richard Seymour or Vince Wilfork tier, but his player profile is almost exactly what Belichick desires, especially if he’s going to lean on a system that only puts three down linemen on the field alongside tons of defensive backs.

Quality defensive line play will be more important than ever for the Patriots this year, and Barmore’s rapid improvement is something that New England has to be very pleased with.

Patriots: 3 reasons 2021 will be Bill Belichick Revenge Tour

The Patriots are poised for success after a letdown 2020 campaign, and here's three reasons why rivals should fear head coach Bill Belichick.