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Patriots double up on edge rushers in latest ESPN mock draft
The Patriots have doubled up at a single position in the past. Could it happen this year with edge rushers?
Last year, the Patriots were stout against the run, but they struggled to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
There has been speculation about a number of possible ways to address this. Rumors of the team’s interest in trading for Maxx Crosby have been a consistent theme this offseason. Perhaps they could continue to add through free-agency after signing Dre’Mont Jones. Maybe they’ll turn to the draft.
ESPN, in it’s latest mock draft, has the Patriots taking edge rushers with in both the first and second rounds.
Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell, a 6-foot-2, 248-pound edge rusher who ran a 4.59 40-yard dash at the NFL Scouting Combine, went to the Patriots at No. 31 in the latest projection.
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“The Patriots must keep adding quality pass rushers,” ESPN’s Jordan Reid wrote. “They had 35 sacks last season, tied for 22nd in the league — and Howell is an explosive pressure generator who can close on QBs in a hurry.”
Howell posted 11.5 sacks last season at Texas A&M, nearly tripling the number he had (4) in 2024. He spent the first three years of his career at Bowling Green. He posted 9.5 sacks during his final season there in 2023.
Adjusting to the SEC took some time, but he was able to turn his physical tools into production by the end of his time with the Aggies
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NFL Media’s Lance Zeirlein listed Houston’s Will McDonald IV as Howell’s NFL player comparison.
“Bendy edge rusher with standout sack totals,” Zeirlein wrote. “Burst and elusiveness are on Howell’s rush menu and he pairs it with a refreshing inside spin counter. Though threatening, his rush could use more cohesive sequencing and better hand work to fully unlock its potential.”
“As a run defender he’s frequently knocked around at the point and struggles to consistently execute tasks asked of an NFL edge-setter. Howell might not be a three-down player right away, but his ability to create pressure sets him up for a role as a designated rusher, at minimum.”
Reid has the Patriots taking Illinois edge rusher Gabe Jacas in the second round. The 6-foot-3, 275-pound senior improved his sack totals each year over the past four seasons, starting with four as a freshman and ending with 11 last season.
“We’ll double up on edge rushers in New England, as Jacas is an NFL-ready run defender who has the traits to be a consistent pressure generator,” wrote Reid.
Zierlein’s NFL player comparison for Jacas is a familiar name to Patriots fans. There are some apparently some similarities to Matthew Judon.
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“Jacas is well-built with tremendous play strength and the ability to play as a hand-down end or a stand-up edge,” Zierlein wrote. “He’s more rugged than explosive and twitchy. He can hold his ground against power but needs to do a better job of playing with discipline to set and contain his edge.”
“Jacas’ pass-rush plan lacks creativity but features a good deal of force and leg drive to bully his way into the pocket once he opens the tackle’s edge. His play is more steak than sizzle with average sack production expected, but his field demeanor and play strength foreshadow a long career as an NFL starter.”
While this mock draft has them doubling up, edge-rusher is far from the only need for the Patriots.
Offensive tackle remains an area where the Patriots could improve. Left-tackle Will Campbell struggled during the postseason after returning from an MCL injury that sidelined him for weeks. Right tackle Morgan Moses was a solid addition last year. He played in all 17 games and the entire playoffs and emerged as a mentor to younger players. But, at age 35, the Patriots may want to think about the both short term depth and future plans at that position.
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Even when they had Stefon Diggs, there was room for more production at wide receiver – especially in the playoffs. They’ve since added Romeo Doubs to a core that includes Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, and DeMario Douglas. Diggs was the Patriots’ only 1,000 receiver of the past seven years.
Earlier this week, Patriots coach Mike Vrabel told reporters that he prefers to draft best available players instead of entirely focusing on team needs.
“I don’t think you should ever draft for need,” Vrabel said. “That’s not a position you ever want to be in. I love all of our players, certainly the free-agent that we were able to acquire … we’ll continue to add guys. That’s kind of how this thing goes.”
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