The New England Patriots

Executive Vice President of Player Personnel Eliot Wolf made some quality signings this offseason, but with several glaring holes in the roster, April’s NFL Draft will be crucial for the New England Patriots if they want to contend for a Super Bowl again. 

If it were up to me, I would use the team’s 31st overall pick on an edge rusher. Let’s take a look at a couple of the college prospects the Patriots could select in the first round.

Edge Zion Young, Missouri:

Young is a behemoth of an edge rusher, measuring in at 6-foot-6 and 262 pounds. His size alone will intimidate any opposing blocker.

As a senior at the University of Missouri last season, he recorded 6.5 sacks and 16.5 tackles for loss. 

Young spent the first two years of his collegiate career at Michigan State before transferring to Missouri, where he made a name for himself as one of the nation’s premier edge defenders. 

He can shed blocks and will disrupt opposing run games, but his lack of high-end speed prevents him from applying much quarterback pressure. He plays violently and would help bolster an already formidable defensive line led by defensive end Milton Williams and defensive tackle Christian Barmore. 

Although he is physically gifted, there are some off-the-field concerns to be aware of with Young. He was arrested for driving while intoxicated last December, and in 2023 he pleaded guilty to misdemeanor aggravated assault for a post-game fight in a stadium tunnel after a loss to Michigan. 

Patriots Head Coach Mike Vrabel will have to work with him to ensure these issues are in the past, but his talent, size and college production make him an intriguing player.  

Edge T.J. Parker, Clemson:

Parker has the potential to be a game wrecker for whichever team drafts him. He stands at 6-foot-4 and weighs 263 pounds. 

He set the freshman tackles for loss record in his first year at Clemson and put together a monster sophomore year before regressing in his junior season. In his second year, Parker recorded 11 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss, but last season he logged just 5 sacks and 9.5 tackles for loss.

Is this regression a sign of what is to come, or will he be able to regain his old form? We saw a similar situation with quarterback Drake Maye, and it has worked out well so far, so it’s certainly possible. 

Parker, like Young, would give the Patriots a valuable piece in their biggest position of need.

We know Vrabel wants to build through the trenches by prioritizing the offensive and defensive lines. So if the Pats decide to pass on an edge rusher, there’s a compelling offensive lineman worth their consideration. 

Offensive Tackle Blake Miller, Clemson:

Miller, another prospect out of Clemson, boasts a 6-foot-7, 317-pound frame. Promoters of the Will Campbell T. rex campaign, a joke about his short arms, will be happy to know that Miller has 34 ¼ inch arms — above average for the position. 

What stands out about Miller is his athleticism. Next Gen Stats ranks him as the most athletic tackle prospect in the entire draft class. 

Elite athleticism at his size is special, and certainly makes him worth considering for New England. 

Miller would be able to step in as the replacement for 35-year-old Morgan Moses when he decides to retire, likely sooner rather than later. He would also provide insurance if Will Campbell doesn’t work out at tackle and needs to be moved inside to guard — but I still believe in Campbell. 

Pairing Campbell with Miller would provide two young studs on either side of the line, and could help keep the pocket clean for Maye for years to come. 

Overall, I think New England has put itself in a solid position for this year’s draft. While an edge rusher, offensive lineman, wide receiver or tight end may be their biggest need, they have the flexibility to take the best player available, which is always the goal.