The NFL Draft continues to get closer at the New England Patriots have wrapped up the Pro Day circuit and now look to put the finishing touches on their draft board.
So before Mock Drafts return next week, let’s get into this week’s #PostPulpit Mailbag.
With Harold Landry and Dremont [Jones], the Pats seem to be going towards 3-down Edge players, but they don’t have much depth for those. Do you expect that type of Edge to be found in the draft? Also, what happens to Ponder and Swinson under that scenario?
– WannaBe Pats GM
The issue with the edge class where the Patriots are picking is that each prospect has some sort of red flag, making it hard to find a true three-down player. Players like Cashius Howell and R Mason Thomas are explosive, undersized rushers whose impact will primarily be on passing downs. Bigger rushers like T.J. Parker and Zion Young will then be strong run defenders but lack burst getting after the quarterback.
That has led me to prefer some of the edge prospects who could develop into more three-down options like Malachi Lawrence, Derrick Moore, Gabe Jacas, and Keyron Crawford. Jaishawn Barham is also on the smaller side as he can play off the ball but shows great fight in the run game.
As for Ponder and Swinson, I’d project Ponder to continue to fill a similar rotational role as last year. We’ll see if Swinson can take a step forward to join him in a similar role.
The Pats parted ways with Jack Gibbens, Jalani Tavai, Anfernee Jennings, and now Marte Mapu. What is the plan at Linebacker? Bigger? Faster? Younger? Cheaper? Smarter? More indominable? KJ Britt, Jesse Luketa, and Player-to-be-named-later aren’t painting a picture for me? – WannaBe Pats GM
The plan seemingly was to always address linebacker in the draft with someone who could potentially develop and take over for Robert Spillane in the near future. Based off the other needs on the roster, that range would likely start in the third- or fourth-round. Some names I have liked in that range include Indiana’s Aiden Fisher, TCU’s Kaleb Elarms-Orr, LSU’s Harold Perkins, Oregon’s Bryce Boettcher, and Michigan’s Jimmy Rolder.
And while K.J. Britt projects mostly as a special teamer, he did have success in a defensive role for Tampa Bay back in 2024 — starting 11 games and playing 65% of their defensive snaps. The 26-year old could have more to give as part of the group’s depth.
Max Iheanachor or Blake Miller — which of those would make you happier ? – BriGuy301
I’m a big fan of both players and would be happy with either being the selection. I believe Iheanachor, who did not start playing football until 2021, has a higher ceiling at the position which would make me lean that direction. But again, I think both will be good pros.
There’s been talk and reporting about the Patriots potentially taking a Nose Tackle in the first or second round. It’s popped up in the occasional mock draft. I can understand throwing a late round pick at an NT as a depth/developmental piece. But why would they ever spend such a valuable draft pick (1st or 2nd) on an NT? Is this something that’s actually being considered in-house?
a) The Pats have many needs at far more important positions (EDGE, OT, TE, WR); b) they already have a top pair of starters at NT; c) they just need a developmental depth piece, which is perfect for one of their many late round selections; and d) NT is an extremely low value return for a draft pick (since NTs have low salaries, they’re not saving meaningful money while the pick is on their rookie pay scale, similar to RBs). – fdsafdsa
I agree with all your points about adding to the interior defensive line. With the talent they currently have on the roster they should just be looking for a depth piece on Day 3. The only ways where I could see that actually being the pick early is, A. A defensive tackle is far and away the best player available on the board and, B. The Patriots are looking to move off of Christian Barmore to save cash.
Who you pounding the table for on day 3 of the draft? – spyponder90
I’m a fan of those aforementioned linebackers on Day 3. And speaking of late day defensive tackles I’ve gravitated towards South Carolina’s Nick Barrett throughout the process.
One guy I’d definitely pound the table for if he’s available in the fourth-round is TCU safety Bud Clark. He checks all the boxes that New England looks for in a safety with range and ability to match in man coverage and run the alley, all while adding a playmaker (15 career INTs) to the secondary.
I have 3 of them:
1. What are you most looking forward to with the draft?
It’s rather simple, but just who the Patriots’ first selection is. It’s been a rather simple choice the last three years — Christian Gonzalez and Drake Maye were my top ranked players for them in 2023 and 2024, respectively, while we knew Will Campbell fit a major need last year. There is no perfect prospect when picking 31st overall which has left it hard for me to pound the table for one specific player and narrow down who the pick ultimately will be. Still two weeks to go, though.
2. What is your biggest concern, if any, coming into the draft?
They cave and overpay for A.J. Brown, specifically trading a 2027 first-round pick in the process. I’d obviously still take Brown on the roster, but don’t think it’s the end-all-be-all move considering he’ll be 29 years old with a lingering knee injury.
3. Predict one potential draft surprise from Vrabel. What is his wildcard move? – Sportzballer
He drafts a… Michigan Wolverine over a Buckeye. Derrick Moore, Jaishawn Barham, Jimmy Rolder, and Rayshaun Benny are all potential fits from the Michigan defense.
This seems like an incredible year for…movies. Lots of really good movies have/are coming out. Which one(s) do you want to see, or if you’ve seen them, which one(s) are your favorite? – LandenPatz1
We will be seated for the new Spider-Man movie. I’ll see everyone there July 31 (perhaps straight from training camp?).
Hamburgers or Smashburgers? – WhatAboutBob
Love the occasional smash burger, but can’t beat the classic.
That’s all for this week’s #PostPulpit mailbag. If you have questions you’d liked to be answered next week, submit them online in our weekly submission post or on Twitter using #PostPulpit. Make sure to be following @iambrianhines and @PatsPulpit as well.
