The New England Patriots enter the offseason with several needs, but none are more important than upgrading their pass rush. Despite accumulating 13 sacks across four playoff games, the Patriots were among the league’s worst at getting to the quarterback, tying for 22nd in sacks (35), and ranking 24th in pressure percentage (20.3 percent).Â
This year’s free agency class provides them with an opportunity to acquire some of the league’s premier pass rushers, such as Trey Hendrickson and Odafe Oweh, but landing either player would require winning a costly bidding battle. Even though they have the money to do so, as they currently rank 10th in cap space according to Spotrac, it would limit their ability to address other areas of the roster. Instead, the Patriots would be better off focusing on bolstering their pass rush through the draft.Â
Since this year’s draft class is deep with depth at edge rusher, the Patriots should take full advantage and prioritize drafting a long-term solution at the position.Â
Patriots Must Develop Homegrown Talent at Edge
The Patriots invested heavily in pass rushers last offseason, signing edge rushers K’Lavon Chaisson and Harold Landry III, along with interior defender Milton Williams. While the trio proved to be great signings, finishing in the top four on the team in sacks, the Patriots clearly still have more work to do on the edge.Â
Unlike last year, the Patriots cannot afford to throw money at players, given their numerous roster needs. With Chaisson set to hit free agency and likely to command a lucrative contract, re-signing him would limit their flexibility to address other needs. Plus, Landry was hampered by injuries throughout the season, raising questions regarding his long-term availability.Â
Since the Patriots already have enough money tied to veteran pass rushers, they should turn to the draft to inject youth and long-term stability at the position. This strategy seems to already be in motion, as head coach Mike Vrabel revealed to reporters at the combine that the team has met with several edge rushers, including Zion Young and Cashius Howell, who are among the top players at their position.Â
Landing Young or Howell would be an excellent addition to the Patriots, given they possess the physical traits and skillset needed to become a cornerstone edge rusher.Â
Young displayed his versatility as a dominant presence against both the run and pass, recording 16.5 tackles for loss, 6.5 sacks, and 32 hurries, earning an overall grade of 84 from Pro Football Focus. Meanwhile, Howell was one of the premier pass rushers last season, posting 11.5 sacks and 27 hurries, earning a 90.3 pass-rushing grade per PFF, ranking 26th out of 853 qualifying edge rushers.Â
For the Patriots to acquire either player, they would have to use their first-round selection. If the front office truly believes one of them has the potential to become a long-term contributor to the team, they shouldn't pass up on the opportunity to acquire them.
For years, the Patriots have continuously failed to draft a cornerstone edge rusher. The last truly dependable pusher they drafted was Chandler Jones, but that was back in 2012.Â
Given both players’ upside, now is the time, more than ever, to use a premium pick to select either one. Not only would they boost the Patriots’ pass rush, but they would also allow them to use free agency to improve other weaknesses, such as wide receiver or offensive line, and potentially allow them to re-sign Jaylinn Hawkins or Jack Gibbens on defense.Â
Regardless of how they feel about either player, there are still plenty of names that they could draft later on. As long as they put an emphasis on scouting and drafting an edge rusher over signing a big-name pass rusher in free agency, it increases their chances of being a strong team in the long run.Â