 The Patriots selected Trey Flowers a Defensive end from Arkansas with the 101st pick in the 4th round. Flowers is an edge rusher who is stout in run support. (USA TODAY Images) |
Pats take another edge rusher at the top of Round 4
The Patriots made their first selection of the 4th Round of the NFL Draft on Saturday afternoon and chose Trey Flowers, DE, Arkansas. The team will have two more selections in the fourth round at pick #111 and #131.
Flowers is another piece of the Patriots retooling their defense and specifically their pass rush. Flowers is 6'2, 268 and earned 2nd team All-SEC Honors. His 2014 season was his most productive with 68 tackles, 15 tackles for loss and six sacks.
Another versatile edge rusher, Flowers has lined up on the left defensive end, right defensive end and as a stand-up edge rusher.
Flowers has a wide wingspan, long arms and has a very quick first step where he can beat blockers to the edge. He's been effective stunting inside and has been very good at knocking down passes at the line of scrimmage, with 11 passes defensed.
Flowers ran a decent 4.82 in the 40 but turned in a good time of 7.82 in the Three-Cone Drill. He doesn't have gaudy sack numbers but has the size and strength to be an effective edge player at the next level. Flowers has been excellent at setting the edge in the running game and is good at shedding blockers and has a high motor.
In his Draft Guide, CBS Sports Dane Brugler says, "he doesn't cheat himself and uses every asset in his bag of tricks to make plays, showing the mentality in the trenches to do the dirty work."
"Flowers isn't a dynamic athlete but he plays passionate and tough with a high energy level to always play at full speed. He projects best as a 4-3 defensive end who is at his best taking on blocks and setting the edge as a stout run defender. A Top-60 prospect who should see significant reps as a rookie before settling into a starting role."
Where Does He Fit With New England: Flowers is another edge rusher, a sign that the Patriots plan on really amping up the pass rush in 2015. But he's also a very good at setting the edge in the run game. Flowers may have more immediate production than their 3rd round pick in Geneo Grissom in 2015.
Flowers will be in rotational system behind Chandler Jones, Rob Ninkovich, Jabaal Sheard and fight for reps with Michael Buchanan, Zach Moore and Grissom.
Here's a highlight clip of Flowers at Arkansas courtesy of NFL Draft Geek:
Follow me on Twitter @SteveB7SFG or email me at [email protected]
Listen to our Patriots 4th and 2 podcast on blog talk radio as the writers Russ Goldman, Derek Havens and I from PatsFans.com discuss the latest Patriots news Wednesdays at 12 noon.
More News Headlines:
TRANSCRIPT: Mike Vrabel Press Conference 8/15
By: Ian LogueHere's the full transcript of what New England Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel had to say during his press conference on Saturday, August 15, 2026.
MORSE: Good, Bad, and Ugly From Patriots’ Underwhelming Performance vs Colts
By: Mark MorseBreaking down the Patriots' underwhelming preseason tie vs. Colts, this report covers the good, bad, and ugly, plus Christian Gonzalez's contract demands.
Friday Patriots Notebook 8/14: Receiver Battle is Getting Interesting
By: Ian LogueAnalyzing the Patriots' 13-13 tie, the receiver battle heats up as Kyle Williams shines, no targets for Kayshon Boutte and Andy Borregales misses 3 FGs.
Patriots vs. Colts Quick Reactions: An Undisciplined Performance
By: Ian LogueReviewing the Patriots' 13-13 tie vs. Colts, penalties marred sharp play from DeVito and surprising Jam Miller, with kicker Borregales struggling.
Vrabel on Gonzalez’s Absence: CB is “Physically Unavailable”
By: Ian LogueAddressing Christian Gonzalez's absence, Vrabel confirms the cornerback is 'physically unavailable' for practice, adding to contract frustrations.