Could Patriots’ latest roster move affect NFL Draft plans?

The New England Patriots appear to have a strong defensive line bolstered by standout rookie Christian Barmore, but Bill Belichick has consistently shown us that there’s no such thing as having too many interior pass rushers. He could use some of his 2022 NFL Draft capital to rectify that.

However, given the crushing needs at cornerback and linebacker, most of Belichick’s premium capital will likely be spent elsewhere. The defensive line will likely need to be patched up with some veteran signing in the form of a two-down run-stuffer with some pass-rush upside.

Carl Davis has bounced around the league after failing to stick in Baltimore as a third-round pick, but he had one of his best individual seasons with New England last year. Belichick thought highly enough of Davis that he decided to eschew drafting a tackle and make him a member of New England’s rotation.

Davis has re-signed with the Patriots, although the terms of the deal have not been reported yet. Davis is not going to be a dominant presence on the line, but you can certainly do worse if you need a veteran that can eat up space on the defensive line on a cheap deal.

Carl Davis gives the New England Patriots more depth.

Davis played on 26% of the snaps last year, recording 19 tackles and one sack. At 320 pounds, Davis can be difficult to deal with if he gets a full head of steam.

Davis should be a nice rotational piece behind Barmore and Lawrence Guy. Even though he’s going to be 30 years old next year, Davis’ play behind Barmore should be good enough to help Belichick focus on the perimeter on both sides of the ball.

Davis himself was thrilled to be back in New England, posting a GIF of himself after sacking Zach Wilson in celebration of his new contract.

The Patriots are lacking a cornerback to replace JC Jackson, a receiver that can take the top off of a defense, and the linebacking depth needed to be productive if Dont’a Hightower departs (or stays and regresses). Multiple picks at the positions are needed to fully and adequately replenish the cupboards.

The Patriots are not going to turn Davis into Richard Seymour, but if bringing him back helps Belichick add one more star defensive back or a receiver that can get Mac Jones throwing the ball deep down the field, this signing will have been worth it irrespective of how much it cost.

3 draft day trades New England Patriots should consider

The New England Patriots, who are notorious for their love of trading down, could make one of these three moves in the 2022 NFL Draft.