2021 NFL Draft: New England Patriots team needs
By Ian Higgins
Interior defensive line
2020 Starters: Lawrence Guy (FA), Byron Cowart, Adam Butler (FA)
Within their 3-4 hybrid defensive front, the New England Patriots rely heavily upon their interior defensive linemen to defend against the run with their physical superiority. Surrounded by linebackers and hybrid-edge players, these three down-linemen are the heart of the New England Patriots defensive front and are always in need of talented depth to rotate personnel throughout the course of the game.
Along with a struggling pass-rush, the New England Patriots need to score on a selection at defensive tackle with an interior defensive lineman who can contribute both as a conventional run-stopper as well as an interior pass-rusher. Fitting along with the trend of players such as Aaron Donald and Chris Jones, the Patriots could fix their overarching pass-rush woes with a dynamic addition on the interior.
In a 2021 NFL Draft class that lacks premier talents at the top of the draft order though, New England may opt for a latter selection in the draft focusing on value. This will force the choice of a conventional system-fitting defensive tackle of a player who can introduce an element of pass-rush to their defensive line. This selection could also push New England towards a shift to a 4-3 hybrid defensive front so that they can further focus on improving their pressure on the passer.