The New England Patriots have a stronger roster heading into next season, and the preseason has shown how much depth the team has behind their star talents, especially at the cornerback, wide receiver and running back positions. But more top talent in the 2027 NFL Draft class will present the team with the opportunity to upgrade its unit even further.
ESPN’s Jordan Reid had Alabama edge rusher Yhonzae Pierre going to the Patriots with the No. 21 overall pick in his 2027 NFL mock draft.
“Pierre is an energetic and powerful pass rusher who primarily operates as a standup outside linebacker,” Reid wrote. “He has average bend but plays with high effort. He had eight sacks last season, so double digits are on the table if he can make another leap.
Both of the Patriots' starting edges (Harold Landry III and Dre'Mont Jones) will be 30 or older next season, so Pierre could be selected as future successor to join Gabe Jacas, New England's second-round pick in April.”
Landry led the team in sacks last season with 8.5 and was a bright spot on the team’s defense, but health, in addition to his age, leaves question marks as to whether or not he will keep up his level of play next season and in the years to come.
Jones is a player with breakout potential after notching a career-high seven sacks in 2025, but it remains to be seen if he will actually break out this season, making an ascent into the starting lineup realistic for a young, talented edge rusher.
Jacas has impressed in the preseason thus far and much is expected from him after going to New England with the No. 55 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Yet, a first-round talent added to that mix in 2027 may give the team the elite edge rusher that they need down the line.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots take explosive edge rusher at No. 21 in ESPN 2027 mock draft
