New England Patriots: Top first-round targets in 2020 NFL Draft

Current EDGE’s: John Simon, Chase Winovich, Deatrich Wise, Derek Rivers

New England’s pass rush has never been one that revolves around a single star, but instead a collection of players who complete their assignments to bring complex stunts and twists to confuse offensive linemen instead of purely beating them. The closest player to a star edge-rusher on the roster currently is Wise, who is capable of lining up anywhere from the 1 to the 5-technique.

Penn State used Gross-Matos is a variety of ways during the 2019 campaign, yet he was still able to post top-end pass-rushing numbers. Even while aligning all across the techniques of the defensive line, Gross-Matos was able to contribute against both the run and pass with his power-base style of pass-rushing.

At 6-foot-5, 265 pounds, Gross-Matos is a healthy-sized edge defender who can hold his ground against the run to set the edge as well as overpower opposing tackles with a combination of first-step burst, strength, and polished technique. Even against Iowa tackle Tristan Wirfs (6’5″, 322 lbs, one of the top tackles of the 2020 NFL draft), Gross-Matos was more than capable of combing the previously mentioned attributes to throw Wirfs off-balance and get to the quarterback.

Very few edge rushers coming through the draft possess a combination of size, speed, and technique similar to Yetur Gross-Matos. These kinds of players can typically compete from day one as long as they can understand the defensive system, but in a New England defense with multiple options at every snap, it may take time to learn and become a defensive staple.

With contributions in simple play-designs on predictable downs & distances, Gross-Matos will be able to contribute as an every-down edge defender in the near future (similar to former Patriots edge defender Rob Ninkovich).