New England Patriots: Grading the force of Christian Barmore in 2021

When it comes to the New England Patriots draft class of 2021, quarterback Mac Jones wasn’t the only one who made an impact with an impressive rookie season.  In fact, there should be even more excitement over the force that was second-round draft pick Christian Barmore.

While some off-the-field concerns and character issues led to a fall in the draft, credit Bill Belichick for trading up in the second round to grab the Alabama product who was considered the most dominant defensive tackle in college football in 2020 and he certainly showed glimpses of that dominance during his rookie season in New England.

In racking up 46 tackles and 1.5 sacks while applying pressure up the middle, Barmore made his presence known in the middle of the Patriots defensive line.  Youth, power, dominance and hard work all bundled into that 6-foot-4, 310-pound frame had Belichick once again looking like a genius with his decided to grab a player who will only get better as long as he stays focused.

New England Patriots rookie DT Christian Barmore committed himself to hard work

Speaking to the media back in November, Barmore praised the work ethic in New England as an emphasis of why he enjoys playing for a coach like Belichick.

"“I just love the work ethic, because every day we work, grinding,” Barmore said, via NESN.  “And every day, we’re just here to get better.  You know what I’m saying?  They say Coach Saban and Coach Belichick are the same.  It’s totally different.  Here – it’s just more.  I love it.”"

New England Patriots fans certainly loved Barmore as he worked himself into more snaps on the field becoming the second-best player along the defensive line.  With Matthew Judon rushing from the outside, Barmore just made life more difficult for opposing offensive lines and quarterbacks by throwing his weight around…literally.

So, while Mac Jones did his thing offensively, it was Christian Barmore setting the foundation for the future on the defensive side.  As the Patriots hope to get faster, stronger, and tougher defensively, they have a player to build around in Barmore, as long as he stays motivated and focused on getting better.

As far as a rookie season grade, it’s hard not to give Barmore anything less than an A- due to how he bought in and became a dominant force along that defensive line giving New England Patriots fans a bit of nostalgia from the days Vince Wilfork held his ground as a powerful defensive tackle.

Although after just one season it is unfair to lay that comparison on Christian Barmore, it is not a big reach at all to say Belichick and the Patriots have themselves a big-time baller and a player to be very excited about moving into the 2022 NFL season and beyond.