Despite landing several big-name additions in free agency, including Kevin Byard and Alijah Vera-Tucker, the New England Patriots still have plenty of work left to do this offseason. Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf opted not to re-sign any of their free agents, leaving several holes across their roster.
With few impactful players remaining in the open market, Wolf and company must turn to the draft to reinforce New England's most pressing needs. Luckily for the Patriots, they hold 11 picks, providing them plenty of resources to address multiple areas of concern.
With that in mind, here are the three players they must replace through the draft.
3 Players Patriots Must Replace Via the Draft
1. K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE
Although you could argue that the Patriots replaced him by signing edge rusher Dre’Mont Jones, he’s clearly not the same pass-rusher as Chaisson. Last season, Chaisson was New England’s most consistent pass rusher, logging 7.5 sacks and 34 hurries across 16 regular-season games, while adding 3.0 sacks and 10 hurries in four postseason games.
Meanwhile, Jones recorded seven sacks and 28 hurries in 18 games. Jones, 29, is entering the latter stage of his career while Chaisson, 26, is just beginning to scratch the surface. With both starting edge rushers heading towards the back end of their careers, the Patriots desperately need to inject youth into their pass-rush.
One name they’ve been linked to is Texas A&M edge rusher Cashius Howell. In a top-heavy edge-rusher class, Howell ranks just outside of the premier names; however, he’s proven to be a tremendous pass-rusher. Over the last three seasons, Howell has earned a Pro Football Focus pass-rush grade of at least 90, logging 25 sacks and 78 hurries.
2. Khyiris Tonga, DT
Defensive tackle Khyiris Tonga left the Patriots to join their bitter AFC rival, the Kansas City Chiefs. Even though the departure isn’t a huge blow, given their quality depth at the position, they could use another body in the trenches.
There have also been rumors that the Patriots are looking to strengthen the unit in the first two rounds, and if that’s the case, don’t be surprised if the Patriots target defensive tackle Kayden McDonald at No. 31.
McDonald is regarded as the top defensive tackle in his class and is coming off a breakout season for the Ohio State Buckeyes. Over 14 games, McDonald logged 65 total tackles, 9.0 tackles for loss, 3.0 sacks, and 11 hurries. The 21-year-old would excel behind Christian Barmore and Milton Williams, strengthening the team’s ability to shut down the run.
3. Jack Gibbens, LB
The Patriots’ linebacker depth took a huge blow this offseason, especially with the departure of Jack Gibbens. While Gibbens wasn’t particularly a great linebacker, he was a solid rotational piece who held his own when Robert Spillane was sidelined.
With him gone, along with Wolf’s intention to add an off-ball linebacker in the draft, it’s evident New England is looking to upgrade the unit. One player that they could target in the later rounds is linebacker Owen Heinecke.
Despite last season being the only year he was a contributor to the Oklahoma Sooners’ defense, Heinecke balled out. In 13 games, he recorded 74 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, three sacks, and eight hurries. While he was terrific against the run, earning a Pro Football Focus run defense grade of 78.8, he proved to be reliable in coverage, allowing just 18 receptions for 114 yards.
Heinecke would be a superb developmental piece behind Spillane and Christian Elliss.
More New England Patriots News and Rumors:
Add us as a preferred source on Google