New England Patriots 2021 NFL Draft grades: More than just a quarterback
By Ian Higgins
Alabama. Christian Barmore. 38. 47. Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. DT. player
After signing on a combination of defensive lineman to fill out the interior of their 3-4 defensive front, the New England Patriots add the outright best interior defensive lineman of the 2021 NFL Draft. At six-foot-five, 311 pounds, Alabama defensive tackle Christian Barmore was the furnace that kept the Crimson Tide defense rolling with his interior penetration and ground-holding run defense.
With exceptional length for an interior lineman, Barmore has the reach advantage against nearly any opposing guard. Combined with his lateral agility from quick footwork, Barmore is a defensive mismatch capable of finally breaking the curse hanging over the New England Patriots pass-rush.
Currently slotted behind a combination of Lawrence Guy and free-agent additions Godchaux & Anderson, Barmore possesses the same ability in run defense as the aforementioned veteran additions but presents the unique value proposition of commanding attention on late-down pass-rush scenarios. A perfect fit for the needs of the New England Patriots defensive front.
Grade: A+
47. Pick Analysis. Oklahoma. Ronnie Perkins. 96. player. Scouting Report. EDGE
Continuing to add versatile athletes to their outside linebacking group, the New England Patriots add yet another developmental prospect with an unbelievably high ceiling for his draft position. At 251 pounds, Perkins carries his weight well at six-foot-three for a compact, explosive package that smoothly translates initial explosiveness into power with stab moves to the chest of the opposing blocker.
Still a raw pass-rusher with a limited repertoire of moves, Perkins is a viable run defender who shows no problem holding his ground in run defense. What holds Perkins back though is his aggression and constant ball-chasing mentality, leaving voids on the backside to be taken advantage of by savvy halfbacks.
Although Perkins’ first-year snaps will be hampered by the presence of a number of incumbent pass-rushers on the New England Patriots depth chart, this time behind established veterans and under the direction of an exceptional coaching staff will enable him to develop into a three-down multi-dimensional threat.
Grade: B