@BTTA......we cannot see BSJ in Europe......was the article off tangent or similar to BGC or other media
Here it is Scotty:
DEFENSIVE LINE
Current Patriots Roster
Carl Davis (free agent), Daniel Ekuale (free agent), Henry Anderson (contract year), Davon Godchaux (contract year), Christian Barmore (2024), Byron Cowart (contract year), Deatrich Wise (2024), Lawrence Guy (2024), Byron Cowart (2024).
Patriots Historical Drafting
Over the last 15 years, the Patriots have made 12 selections. All those picks have come from major conferences, with the SEC having 5 selections. The Patriots did well with Malcom Brown (Texas) and early returns on Christian Barmore (Alabama) are great. The Patriots get a passing grade with Byron Cowart (Maryland). The biggest misses were Dominique Easley (Florida) and Ron Brace (BC).
Draft Expectations for the Position
From a league perspective, draft numbers aren’t as clear because of the evolution of what the front seven means in different schemes (DE vs. OLB). We’ll focus on the edge in another write-up but let's stick right on the line of scrimmage. Over the last 5 years, there have been 2.4 true defensive tackles selected in the first round. In 2019 there were 6 which inflated the numbers. This year is an average class. No clear-cut game-winners along the defensive line but there are some solid players who will get selected across the first 100 picks (3 rounds). From there it’s the eye of the beholder.
This is one of their top positions of need coming into the draft. The best Patriots teams, and Bill Belichick defenses, all had the ability to control the LOS and were strong up the middle. Expect the Patriots to address the defensive line at some point.
Potential First-Rounders
NT Jordan Davis, Georgia (6-foot-6, 340 pounds): He's virtually impossible to single block in the run game and very difficult to run at directly. He can make “wow” plays that just aren’t common and he will make someone’s run defense better. The biggest part of his evaluation is that he only plays 20-25 snaps a game and tires quickly.
He's not the fastest guy off the ball, doesn't offer much in pass rush and could do a better job getting hands up to deflect passes. I compare him to former Jacksonville Jaguar JohnHenderson or ideally Ted Washington for all of us older Pats fans. In a passing league, there’s a question of how much to value that skill set in Round 1.
DL DeMarvin Leal, Texas A&M (6-4, 290): He’s a versatile defensive lineman that can slide anywhere along the line. He has disruptive quickness and the ideal size the Patriots want in a 3-4 end. He doesn’t have the bend to put up sack numbers on the edge, but he can play inside on passing downs. He started as a freshman for the Aggies (good indicator on ability to transition quickly) and started almost 30 games in the SEC. He was 1st-team All-SEC this year.
DT Devonte Wyatt, Georgia (6-2, 307): Good burst and athleticism combination. He may have the best get-off of all defensive line prospects but he’s more of a gap lineman, which isn’t a great fit for the Patriots scheme. He doesn't always play to his weight in the run game. He’s a solid player that has some good pass rush moves, range, and quickness but not a traditional fit.
DL Logan Hall, Houston (6-5, 278): Houston coach Dana Holgorsen says Hall is one of the best DTs he's ever coached. He looks athletic, is very long and he has good strength. He isn't afraid of physicality on the inside, but I think he has great potential as a 3-4 end, with the ability to move inside on passing downs. He's a good player that will need to work on countering moves and really focus on pad level, especially in a technique league. He's going to be a tweener for some teams and may take some time to develop. Patriots will have him well scouted as their area scout played for Holgorsen.