PatsFans.com Menu
PatsFans.com - The Hub For New England Patriots Fans
PatsFans.com - The Hub For New England Patriots Fans

2026 Draft: Defensive Tackle

One reason I am less inclined to a DT in the 1st round, even if BPA, is that this is such a deep group.
 
One reason I am less inclined to a DT in the 1st round, even if BPA, is that this is such a deep group.
With the way Durden has been playing of late I'm not even sure a DT is necessary. Re-sign Tonga, sign a PS NT who can cover Tonga and that's it:

Williams-Barmore-Tonga-Farmer-Durden- Cheap FA NT
 
Agree ...

but ...

the trick is finding good outside rushers.

I'm 100% fine with your plan above, if we can get quality outside EDGE help, either in FA or the draft.

If not, overloading at DT and using Williams/Barmore more as 3/4 DEs or in a 4-3 under may be the easiest way to add talent on the DL.

My preference - I believe yours as well - is RT and EDGE with our first 2 picks. But the stars may not be aligned.
 
Agree ...

but ...

the trick is finding good outside rushers.

I'm 100% fine with your plan above, if we can get quality outside EDGE help, either in FA or the draft.

If not, overloading at DT and using Williams/Barmore more as 3/4 DEs or in a 4-3 under may be the easiest way to add talent on the DL.

My preference - I believe yours as well - is RT and EDGE with our first 2 picks. But the stars may not be aligned.
Chaisson's performance yesterday certainly changed my view of him. I have never had an issue with his effort, but last night he was winning one on ones which is what I've wanted to see more of from him. He has been terrific at the end of the season. 10 pressures and 3 sacks in the last two games and that crucial forced fumble at the end of the Baltimore game. Maybe there is a place for him here. I've also been impressed by Anfernee Jennings as someone who is a really good backup. We definitely need to add a guy to be the future but I'm happier today than I have been before with the edge group.

I had a post early on in the year about how I'd like to see us more in a 3-4 so I'm with you there. Whether Vrabel/Kurr are I'm less sure. A 3-4 would open up pass rushers like Romello Height/Howell/R Mason Thomas or, better yet, Clev Lubin next year, none of whom really fit our current system.
 
Chaisson's performance yesterday certainly changed my view of him. I have never had an issue with his effort, but last night he was winning one on ones which is what I've wanted to see more of from him. He has been terrific at the end of the season. 10 pressures and 3 sacks in the last two games and that crucial forced fumble at the end of the Baltimore game. Maybe there is a place for him here. I've also been impressed by Anfernee Jennings as someone who is a really good backup. We definitely need to add a guy to be the future but I'm happier today than I have been before with the edge group.

I had a post early on in the year about how I'd like to see us more in a 3-4 so I'm with you there. Whether Vrabel/Kurr are I'm less sure. A 3-4 would open up pass rushers like Romello Height/Howell/R Mason Thomas or, better yet, Clev Lubin next year, none of whom really fit our current system.
I had the same perception of him. One thing I have learned to appreciate is his relentless effort. He never gives up on a play. If he was more powerful, he would be a terror.
 
With the way Durden has been playing of late I'm not even sure a DT is necessary. Re-sign Tonga, sign a PS NT who can cover Tonga and that's it:

Williams-Barmore-Tonga-Farmer-Durden- Cheap FA NT
We can't overlook Leonard Taylor. He was getting push in the run and pass game against the Texans. The people you named are much of the reason I was against a mock that has us take McDonald from Ohio state. Taylor is not a NT but could be the cheap FA you're looking for.

The more I think about it and watching various games I am off the CJ Allen train and all aboard the Mesidor at 32 or trade For a proven Maxx Crosby. Chaisson has been on a heater in the playoffs, but Landry ain't it. Maybe Landry is hurt, but he is older and needs to be replaced as a starter. Jennings has been performing well at the end of the year and during the playoffs but he really only gets home on line games(stunts, twists). We need a 1 on 1 winner.
 
He’s undersized and underrated because he got injured in week 5 but Texas Tech’s Skyler Gill-Howard is legitimately fast for a DT. He might run the fastest 40 of all DTs at the combine and comfortably too. His HC referred to him as the ‘alpha’ in the dressing room.

 
Last edited:
He’s undersized and underrated because he got injured in week 5 but Texas Tech’s Skyler Gill-Howard is legitimately fast for a DT. He might run the fastest 40 of all Days at the combine and comfortably too.


Look at his speed on this interception return.

 
He’s undersized and underrated because he got injured in week 5 but Texas Tech’s Skyler Gill-Howard is legitimately fast for a DT. He might run the fastest 40 of all DTs at the combine and comfortably too. His HC referred to him as the ‘alpha’ in the dressing room.


Sugar Bear, Jim Lee Hunt, Houston Antwine
 
Sugar Bear, Jim Lee Hunt, Houston Antwine
Is that a code?

I know two of those were former Patriots. I'm assuming they were either undersized, fast or both.
 
Is that a code?

I know two of those were former Patriots. I'm assuming they were either undersized, fast or both.
Jim Lee is in the Pats HOF, Sugar Bear was on the great 70's teams, Houston Antwine a partner with Hunt. All undersized, quick.
 
Jim Lee is in the Pats HOF, Sugar Bear was on the great 70's teams, Houston Antwine a partner with Hunt. All undersized, quick.
Slightly before my time. My immediate thought was John Randle. He was 6-1 290 and quick as hell, I loved watching him play
 
Jim Lee is in the Pats HOF, Sugar Bear was on the great 70's teams, Houston Antwine a partner with Hunt. All undersized, quick.
Thanks. All before my time. I have very little knowledge of the Patriots pre-85.
 
Thanks. All before my time. I have very little knowledge of the Patriots pre-85.
 
MORSE: Patriots Prospects and 30 Visits
Patriots News 04-19, Countdown To Draft Day
MORSE: Patriots Mock Draft 6 – A Week Before the Draft
TRANSCRIPT: Eliot Wolf Pre-Draft Press Conference 4/13
Patriots News 04-12, What To Watch For In The NFL Draft
MORSE: Pre-Draft Patriots News and Notes
MORSE: Patriots Mock Draft 5
MORSE: Patriots Mock Draft 5
Mark Morse
2 weeks ago
Patriots Part Ways with Another Linebacker as Offseason Roster Shake-Up Continues
Patriots News 04-05, Mock Draft 2.0, Patriots Look For OL Depth
MORSE: 18 Game Schedule and Other Patriots Notes
Back
Top