Like every other franchise, this one is never not looking for their next good one.
But unlike most of the others, their needs are very specific.
I say this every year, but it’s as relevant now as it ever.
But the requirements haven’t changed in New England.
The Belichick & Sons defense still employs the “6-4, 4-6” rule of thumb.
Meaning players who are 6-4 or bigger, 4.6 or faster.
Judon is 6-3, but massive at 275 pounds.
There is also no place for a pass rush specialist here.
not get caught upfield and out of the play) and occasionally drop into coverage on curls and flats.
He spent more time on the opposition’s side of the line as the back judge.
As a true freshman, he led the nation with 60 pressures.
In 2021, he upped that number to 82, with 17.5 sacks to go along with 31 TFLs.
(I’m guessing that will register with about 5% of you, but it stays in.)
Still he’s universally regarded as someone who’ll move outside in the pros.
And go very, very soon in the draft.
In short, he’s this year’s Aidan Hutchinson.
He’s played traditional defensive end in a 3-point stance and traditional OLB in a 2-point.
For that reason, he’ll go high.
(A sentence I’ll regret putting my name to if somehow he falls to them.)
Though unlike Wilson, he fits the profile on Belichick’s Christian Mingle account to a tee.
Including satisfying his 3-Cone Drill fetish with a scorching time for a guy his size of 7.02.
(Think what the Pats do with Wise.)
He combines a power pass rush with run-stuffing ability.
But if they use a 1st rounder on him, than everything I think I know is wrong.
His speed is insane.
He can drop into coverage and outrun ballcarriers to either side of the formation.
He’s a four year player.
He’ll be fine elsewhere.
But it won’t be Foxboro.
Still, he could become the best IV since thatStar Trekmovie with the whales.
Particularly using his arms, which have the wingspan ofthe Spruce Goose.
A unique prospect to be sure.
But pundits are all over the map as to where and when he’s going.
He’s played some inside, including head up on the center.
He can get anchored against bigger tackles and needs to get better at turning outside runs inside.
But there’s plenty of time for him to get bigger and better, as he’s only 21.
The question is what he is exactly.
A small 3-4 end?
A huge outside backer?
All of the above?
And he cracked 100 in both pressures and total tackles for his career.
With a polished rush game and a quality assortment of moves in his bag.
Think of tight end as the Liberal Arts major of football.
And he did find himself, obviously.
He also has a tendency to play high and get moved off the point of attack.
And he’s got the Cobra Kai punch to strike first, strike hard, and show no mercy.
But that’s neither here nor there.
But all the raw materials are there for building a truly special edge player.
He has the first step quickness and speed to leave tackles standing in place grabbing air like idiots.
And he can laterally cover all 53 1/3.
But this is a draft-and-develop situation.
So I’m going with the only choice.
Whom the Patriots will choose: Andre Carter II.A mid-round selection with a practically unlimited ceiling.
Someone they can stash behind Judon and Uche.
Carter is your leader of the future.
And won’t cost the high pick it would take to get Van Ness.
Carter on Day 2.
Possibly even Day 3.
Wide receiver
Offensive tackle
Tight end
