New England Patriots: How Cassius Marsh will contribute on defense

Acquired in a trade between the New England Patriots and Seattle Seahawks, new defensive end Cassius Marsh has a chance to contribute on defense. 

Who is New England Patriots defensive end Cassius Marsh?

Well, we may not know until a few games into the season.  What we do know is that he is a 2014 fourth-round pick who was acquired in a trade with the Seattle Seahawks just a week ago.

Like any new player entering the Patriots system, Marsh will need some time to adjust.  The 6-foot-4, 252-pounder out of UCLA is confident he can figure things out in the Patriots’ defense quicker than most.

"“I’m a fast learner,” Marsh said Tuesday following practice, via WBZ.  “I’ll figure it out, and I’ll do what I can to get on the field and help my teammates.”"

Sometimes, that is easier said than done.  But, the fact that he has played in one of the top defense’s in the league the last couple seasons should help.  Watching players like Michael Bennett, Cliff Avril, and Frank Clark do their thing along the defensive line, Marsh has had an opportunity to learn from the best.  Now he has an opportunity to show what he can do in a New England defense thin at the pass rush position.

A chance to be great

In 37 career games, Marsh has recorded a total of 41 tackles and three sacks.  But again, he played on a Seattle team that was very deep along the defensive line.  He didn’t get much of an opportunity, but did show flashes once he did.

https://twitter.com/DLineVids/status/856283564500897792

Former teammate, Michael Bennett, actually predicted a breakout season for Marsh.

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"“This is a guy who has worked with me all this summer and to see his progression as a player, his conditioning, his work ethic and his mindset for the game this year,” Bennett said, via USA Today.  “I think Cassius is going to be a guy who is very exciting and it is going to be a really great year.”"

While his early contributions with the New England Patriots will come in special teams, do not be surprised if he adds more to the pass rush than expected.  He definitely has the right work ethic as pointed out by Bennett.  He also has the confidence and physical attributes to produce and should be put in the right situations to do so, especially playing under Bill Belichick.

Fans will love him

Overall, the high-energy of Cassius Marsh should be fun to watch no matter where he is used on the field.  If he can learn as quick as he says he can, I see Marsh eventually filling the void left by both Jabaal Sheard and Chris Long as a situational pass rusher.

Anything more than that and the Patriots will have themselves a steal. Anything less and the team would’ve just given up two late draft picks for a player that provides depth on the defensive line and in special teams.

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Sounds like yet another high-reward, low-risk type situation for Belichick.  He wins those more than not.