Last years defense was overall top 10 based on a top 5 run defense. Losing Barmore and Bentley, Peppers, and perhaps Guy has hurt them significantly against the run.
They were #15 last year against the pass, without Gonzalez or Judon for the most part, but they were bottom 10 creating turnovers and below average in sacks, pressures, and hits. My apologies here for not looking up their numbers from last year in those metrics but that’s what I recall from the last time I checked turnovers, etc. They have not improved even with Gonzalez coming back, it’s not surprising when you factor in the biggest loss of all to their defense (BB).
This is why, if Campbell’s arm length is proven to be an issue or alternatively if his arm length is fine but he is gone by the time the Pats are on the clock (I am assuming that Hunter will go #1 and McMillen will also be gone, assuming their measurables are good) and if a suitable haul for their pick is not offered, I’d be looking hard at someone who can rush the passer well or nail down the other CB slot before going for a different WR or OT. I might also be tempted by Jeanty if he could be at the Barkley level of potential impact for their offense.
They need high end talent in just about every position, guys who can wreck a game for their opponent. I see Hunter and Tet in that light, maybe Graham or (if recovered) Will Johnson also.
Other guys I like but don’t know if they can be at the game wrecker level are Scourton and Pearce at Edge, Grant, Nolen, and Walker at DT, Egbuka, Bond, and Restrepo at WR, Loveland and Warren at TE, Banks, and Simmons, and Ersery at OT.
