Patriots Mock Draft: 5 first-round targets for New England

The Boilermakers have done well on the recruiting trail by adding some blue-chippers like Karlaftis and Rondale Moore. While Oregon’s Kayvon Thibodeaux and Michigan’s Aidan Hutchinson are emerging as the clear-cut top two edge rushers, Karlaftis is still a potential game-changer.

Karlaftis might only have 2.5 sacks, but that’s what happens when you get double-teamed on almost every pass-rush snap. Despite that, Karlaftis has remained one of the best run-stuffing defensive ends in the country, and you have to be able to stop the run to play for Belichick.

George Karlaftis would be a Day 1 starter for the Patriots.

Karlaftis hasn’t had amazing sack or pressure production with Purdue over the last three years, but he’s shown enough burst off the line for someone his size to warrant consideration this high. He should be able to make a mark in the Patriots’ rotation instantly.

Christian Barmore has already become one of the best young defensive tackles in the AFC, and the Patriots have gotten tons of elite production out of Matthew Judon. If Karlaftis ends up being the pick in the first round, the Patriots would have one of the best young defensive lines in the game.