5 pass rushers the Patriots should be scouting in the 2024 draft
By Rhys Knott
Jared Verse - FSU
If Laiatu Latu is this class's most coveted speed rusher, then Verse will be the most desirable bull-rusher. He has the sort of power that rocks linemen back on their heels. In that respect, he looks like Keion White. But Verse appears to have the burst White was missing last season. White ran a 4.7-second 40-yard dash, whereas Draftbuzz believes Verse has been clocked at 4.59.
Like Latu Verse, it is widely expected to be drafted in the first round. So, once again, it’s unlikely the Patriots will be able to pick him without trading down or even trading future picks for an extra second-round pick. Incidentally, that’s not as far-fetched as it sounds. If either Marvin Harrison Jr. Or Caleb Williams is available at 3, then trading that pick away could get the Patriots a haul of useful picks.
NFL team owners are known to get over-excited when the draft rolls around; just look at the Panthers' trade for last year’s number 1 pick. And Mayo won’t want his first season in charge to be the first step on a long road to a rebuild. He’ll be looking for a DeMeco Ryans-style instant impact.
Jared Verse does a great job of selling a high-side rush that puts tackles into a precarious situation. He can win with speed up the arc, but he can also run through OTs with his bull-rush.
— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) January 22, 2024
Preparing for that alone on an island is not an easy task. pic.twitter.com/Ays7yUg7se
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