Despite signing some of the premier names in the free agency period, the New England Patriots still have more work to do. They could use another playmaker to surround quarterback Drake Maye, along with acquiring a tackle to replace Morgan Moses.
Fortunately for Patriots’ fans, the franchise has 11 picks in the upcoming draft, which is just 14 days away, giving them plenty of opportunity to address these needs. Although New England’s biggest needs are wide receiver and tackle, it seems that head coach Mike Vrabel and Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf feel differently.
According to ESPN’s Matt Miller and Jordan Reid’s recent article, discussed the latest draft rumors for each team, they highlighted defensive tackle as a position the Patriots could target
Reid wrote, “It’s essential for the Patriots to attack the offensive and defensive lines in this draft. Don’t rule out a defensive tackle for New England in the first two rounds, as it wants to continue to strengthen its rotation at that spot.”
Two names Reid mentions to keep an eye on are Ohio State’s Kayden McDonald and South Carolina’s Nick Barrett, both of whom have already met with the team. While McDonald is considered to be a first-round pick, Barrett is viewed as a Day 3 selection.
If Vrabel and Wolf are insistent on drafting a defensive tackle, it would be wise for them to address the need with Barrett in the later rounds, as they wouldn’t have to use a premium pick on the selection.
Nick Barrett Would Strengthen the Patriots Interior
Even after losing Khyiris Tonga in free agency, the Patriots’ interior defensive line remains their best position group. Led by stars Milton Williams and Christian Barmore, followed by depth pieces Cory Durden, Eric Gregory, and Joshua Farmer, this group played a huge factor in the team’s Super Bowl run last season.
Opposing offenses struggled to create openings for their running backs, as New England's defense allowed just 101.7 rushing yards per game, ranking sixth in the league. While this current iteration is more than capable of replicating similar dominance, it makes sense why the Patriots want to strengthen the unit.
Adding Barrett to the mix could provide valuable depth at the position, while also coming at a low cost. Barrett, 22, is coming off a breakout season with the Gamecocks, logging 42 total tackles, six tackles for loss, two sacks, and six hurries.
He was a force against the run this season, recording 28 stops and earning an 82.9 run defense grade, per Pro Football Focus, which ranked 43rd among 887 qualified interior defenders.
The only knock on Barrett is that he has little experience despite playing five years in college. Barrett has accumulated just 956 career defensive snaps, spending the first three years primarily playing on special teams while missing the majority of the 2024 season due to injury.
Patriots Should Address DL Later in the Later Rounds
Not only that, but he’s also displayed little progression in generating pressure. Considering the Patriots’ interior defenders have proven capable of getting to the quarterback, hopefully, Barrett can improve under New England's coaching staff.
Although Barrett won’t provide nearly the same impact as McDonald, who thrived against the run and pass, he can serve as a valuable run addition while developing behind the current group.
By opting with Barrett, the Patriots can prioritize using their early selections towards surrounding Drake Maye with better talent. While Vrabel and Wolf have made upgrades to the offensive side in free agency, there’s still room for improvement.
With 11 picks at their disposal, the Patriots have plenty of draft capital to address needs on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Even though investing in the interior isn’t necessary, they can still do so; however, they would be better off addressing it in the later rounds.