Patriots Draft Keion White Replacement in Latest Offseason Prediction

Even though the New England Patriots were not expected to be competitive this season, the overall performance of the team still left plenty to be desired. The regression on the defensive end of the field was particularly disappointing. After being an above-average overall defense with an elite run defense last season, the Patriots were a bottom-ten unit in the league this season.

Amidst the disappointment, one of the bright spots was the second-year starter Keion White. Per Pro Football Focus, White was the highest-graded defensive lineman on the team with a 73.2. He has five sacks, seven tackles for loss, two forced fumbles, and 15 QB hits on the season.

That is why his remarks this week left Patriots fans flabbergasted. Despite having two more years on his contract, White revealed his dissatisfaction with the organization and a desire to leave New England.

The Patriots will have to do everything in their power to keep the former second-round pick. At the same time, they have to prepare for the worst. Bleacher Report's idea of the Patriots targeting a pass rusher in the 2025 NFL Draft makes a ton of sense in light of this reporting.

In their latest article identifying offseason targets for each team, Bleacher Report said the Patriots could select Marshall standout Mike Green.

Green led the nation in sacks with 17 last season and is considered one of the biggest risers in the draft. However, he is still not projected to be a top-ten selection. Considering that the Patriots will likely have a top-five pick in the draft, it would be a big reach to draft Green in the first round. In certain draft boards, however, Green is a second-round pick, making him an intriguing option there.

The Patriots already moved on from Joshua Uche and Matthew Judon this season. Regardless of whether White leaves or not, the Patriots will need to add more playmaking on the edge. Green seems like a fascinating prospect for New England.

More Patriots news and rumors: