Patriots Predicted To Draft 11.5-Sack Pass Rusher To Bolster Defense
An NFL writer predicted the New England Patriots to draft an 11.5 sack pass rusher who could boost the defense.
Patriots Predicted To Draft 11. 5-Sack Pass Rusher To Bolster Defense originally appeared on NESN . Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here .
The New England Patriots should focus on improving their pass rush in this year's NFL draft, and targeting a defensive end with the 31st pick could be the best solution. Many draft analysts believe that this year's pass-rushing class is deep, and New England could snag a top edge rusher toward the end of the first round. The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner has a specific player in mind.
Baumgardner released a mock draft on Monday and has New England selecting Missouri defensive end Zion Young at No. 31. "Young saved his best for last at Missouri.
Though he can be a bit stiff on the edge, his length (at 6-5, 255) and powerful hands are problematic for offensive tackles," Baumgardner wrote. "He’s also a very smart defender who always finds the ball. " Young played four seasons of college football, starting at Michigan State for his first two years before moving on to Missouri for the past two seasons.