The New England Patriots will be a team to keep an eye on during the first round of this year’s draft, as they may look to scoop up a talented pass rusher who is dropping down the board.
This year’s pass-rushing class appears deeper than in previous years, which could lead to a player typically projected in the top 15 slipping into the later part of the first round. This scenario puts the Patriots, sitting at No. 31, in a favorable position to snag a player who might not normally be available at that spot.
On Wednesday, Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski published a mock draft, predicting that the Patriots will select Texas A&M pass rusher Cashius Howell with the 31st overall pick.
“The New England Patriots pass-rush improved as the season progressed, particularly during the squad’s run toward Super Bowl LX. The team’s options among their edge-rushers remains suspect, though,” Sobleski wrote.
“In fact, New England finished among the league’s bottom seven in sacks during the regular season. Harold Landry III is only one remaining who managed more than four last season. Cashius Howell’s lack of length and ability to set the edge can be questioned all day long, but his relentlessness to get after opposing quarterbacks can’t.”
Howell dedicated five years to his college career, playing three seasons at Bowling Green before joining the Aggies for two more seasons. He recorded 35.5 tackles for loss and 27 sacks over the course of 56 games, making him a solid addition to New England’s front seven.
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