Patriots Projected To Add 11.5‑Sack Pass Rusher To Improve Defense originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots have several options for their first-round pick in this year’s NFL draft, but it seems they will focus on two main positions.
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New England could explore options for wide receivers, but if the team is looking to acquire Philadelphia Eagles wideout A.J. Brown after June 1, then drafting a defensive end at No. 31 might be the best move.
Fox Sports NFL draft analyst Rob Rang published a mock draft on Monday, showcasing the ideal draft choice for each team. In this draft, he has New England selecting Missouri pass rusher Zion Young in the first round.
“The Patriots won the AFC despite having only two defenders with more than four sacks (Harold Landry III and K’Lavon Chaisson), and the club lost one of them (Chaisson, as well as underrated run defender Anfernee Jennings) in free agency,” Young wrote. “New England replaced Chaisson’s speed with a more reliable run defender in Dre’Mont Jones, but reinforcements are still needed. Young’s length, strength and temperament would seem to be a good fit with new coach Mike Vrabel.”
Young played four seasons of college football, spending two seasons at Michigan State before transferring to Missouri for his final two years. He recorded 28.5 tackles and 11.5 sacks over the course of 46 games and could provide a valuable boost for the Patriots.
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