New England Patriots rumors: 3 49ers to target in 2022 NFL free agency

Why the New England Patriots should target DL D.J. Jones

Whether it is in the draft or free agency, the New England Patriots need to add some more beef along that defensive line.

With 2021 second-round pick Christian Barmore inserting his force and physicality along that defensive line, adding a defensive tackle like D.J. Jones will make the line stronger, especially in the middle and add some depth.

Along with Barmore, the Patriots have Lawrence Guy and Davon Godchaux, but the team was still run on and run over against physical offensive lines.  They need an effort guy like Jones to clog up the middle, which will allow Barmore to be even more of a force for opposing offensive lines.

With his strength and mobility, the 6-foot, 304-pound Jones would certainly improve the Patriots’ run defense and is quick enough to play along the line as well.  As one of the top defensive linemen on the market, the 49ers will want to keep Jones and teams like the Buffalo Bills will want to add him.  That alone should make him more intriguing to Belichick and the New England Patriots, especially with how 49ers defensive coordinator DeMeco Ryans gushes about Jones.

"“I think D.J. is in his own category,” Ryans said.  “But I think a guy who I’ve seen with the strength and power that D.J. has, similar guy, different body types, but Philadelphia Eagles DL Fletcher Cox is one guy I played with who’s a very physical guy, being able to shed blocks and wreck things in the backfield and that’s what you see D.J. doing well.”"

Now, imagine Jones and Barmore in the middle of the Patriots defensive line in 2022 and beyond.