The Patriots were undoubtedly looking for a specific type of player upon reconstructing their roster this offseason. Harold Landry III seemed to fit that mold perfectly, and it didn't help that he had played for head coach Mike Vrabel in Tennessee.
Landry is expected to be a key part of a rebuilt defense, which New England spent most of its free-agent money on, joining Robert Spillane in adding speed to the Patriots' linebacking corps.
Landry never missed a session during New England's offseason program, and that may be paying dividends, as he told ESPN Patriots' writer Mike Reiss that he's in arguably the best shape of his career. "I feel faster now than I did in my whole career," the eight-year veteran said.
That is certainly good news for a Patriots' defense that aims to be better in 2025 and help lead the team back to respectability and contention.
A happy homecoming - sort of - for Harold Landry in reunion with Mike Vrabel
Landry is familiar with New England, having played his college football at nearby Boston College. He's coming off a nine-sack season with an otherwise bad Tennessee team, so given Landry feels his quickness and speed have reached some big shifts, that could be good news for the Patriots' pass rush.
The fact that Landry participated in the entire offseason program also spells good fortune in Foxborough, as that had to be a factor in Landry entering the season in spectacular shape. Landry is one of many veterans on this defense who are expected to serve as mentors to the younger players.
Landry has averaged just over six sacks per season in his eight-year professional career, and the Patriots haven't had players who can truly put heat on opposing quarterbacks in quite some time. Landry's speed and versatility allow Vrabel to put him in multiple areas, and the presence of Milton Williams and Christian Barmore up front will enable Landry some freedom to get after the quarterback.
If he can give the Patriots' defense the speed it needs, the unit will undoubtedly give the team a chance to win many games this season.