Welcome to Potential Patriots!
Each day leading up to the NFL Draft on April 23, the Herald will introduce prospects the Patriots are likely targeting position by position. The Pats have 11 draft picks, including No. 31 overall and extra selections in the fourth and sixth rounds. The Patriots are expected to target edge rusher, offensive tackle and tight end, though they could pad their depth at any position.
Below is a breakdown of the Patriots’ best prospect fits at edge rusher:
1st round
Zion Young, Missouri
Ht/Wt: 6-6, 262
Scouting report: The Patriots could select any number of edge rushers on Day 1: Clemson’s T.J. Parker, Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell or Miami’s Akeem Mesidor if they happen to find a four-leaf clover on the way into the office and trade up. But Young is the pick here because of all these prospects, he’s the most obvious fit for Mike Vrabel.
Young is violent, relentless and plays with a fierce demeanor. He boasts prototypical size and good length. He’s a menace against the run, both when setting the edge and cracking pulling linemen. As a pass rusher, he has a limited repertoire, but there is enough talent here to see an 8-to-10 sack per year player. A little coaching will go a long way with a player like Young who will maximize his skill set and has the type of intangibles you can’t teach.
2nd round
Gabe Jacas, Illinois
Ht/Wt: 6-4, 260
Scouting report: Jacas (pronounced ack-us) is one of the strongest and most experienced edge rushers in this class, a player who knows who he is and how he wins off the edge. He tallied 19 sacks over his last two seasons primarily using bull rushes and by going speed to power. At the scouting combine, Jacas cranked out 30 reps of 225 pounds on the bench press and reportedly impressed in interviews. Throw in his high energy and track record as a three-year starter, this would be a no-brainer pick.
Illinois Gabe Jacas rushes the line during an NCAA football game on Saturday, Sept. 13, 2025, in Champaign, Ill. (AP Photo/Melissa Tamez)
3rd round
Romello Height, Texas Tech
Ht/Wt: 6-3, 239
Scouting report: One of the 30 prospects the Patriots hosted on a pre-draft visit, Height is a speed player who goes nonstop and should find an immediate role as a rotational pass rusher. He had 10 sacks last season at Texas Tech, his fourth school in five years. Height is one of the few edge rushers outside the first round with strong production and plus athleticism. If he adds weight, he could become a full-time starter down the line.
4th round
Jaishawn Barham, Michigan
Ht/Wt: 6-4, 240
Scouting report: There’s a little projection and a lot to like with Barham’s tape. He mostly played off-ball linebacker last year, but flashed good burst when he did come off the edge. He also plays with a tenacious, vicious demeanor; two pluses in Vrabel’s book. Barham had 32 tackles, four sacks, three pass breakups and a forced fumble last season.
5th round
George Gumbs Jr., Florida
Ht/Wt: 6-4, 245
Scouting report: Gumbs spent the last two years at Florida after starting his college career at Northern Illinois playing wide receiver, then tight end and edge rusher. With the Gators, he recorded 7.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss over his two seasons, including his first as a reserve. If Gumbs is selected, the Patriots are betting his best football is far ahead of him as an elite athlete (4.66 in the 40-yard dash, 41-inch vertical leap and a 7-second time in the 3-cone) with little positional experience.
6th round
Trey Moore, Texas
Ht/Wt: 6-2, 243
Scouting report: A classic “tweener prospect,” Moore is one of the most experienced players in this entire class (46 career starts between Texas and Texas-San Antonio). He’s an above-average athlete who doesn’t wow in any particular area, but should be on several teams’ boards thanks to his versatility, dogged play style and intelligence. Moore was a finalist for the 2025 William V. Campbell Trophy, the most prestigious academic award in college football.
Texas linebacker Trey Moore celebrates a fumble recovery against Florida during the first half of an NCAA football game in Austin, Texas, Saturday, Nov. 9, 2024. (AP Photo/Eric Gay)
7th round
Nadame Tucker, Western Michigan
Ht/Wt: 6-2, 247
Scouting report: Tucker was a third-team All-American last year with 14.5 sacks and 21 tackles for loss, most in the FBS. He started his career at two community colleges before working up to Houston and then Western Michigan. Relative to the other prospects on this list, he’s a below-average athlete, but his production and highlight tape are undeniable.