Previewing this year’s defensive tackle and edge rusher classes ahead of the draft.
With only two weeks until the 2025 NFL Draft, the New England Patriots are in the process of putting the finishing touches on their board. What that board will look like is, of course, a closely-guarded secret. Based on the Patriots’ pre-draft interest, however, it seems likely that there are plenty of defensive linemen on it.
So, with that said, let’s take a look at some of the tackle and edge prospects that might make sense for New England this year.
Patriots’ current defensive line situation
The Patriots made some major investments along their defensive line this offseason. Before free agency even started, they signed Harold Landry to bolster an edge group that only returned three players — starter Anfernee Jennings as well as backups Titus Leo and Truman Jones — from the previous season. Former first-round draft pick K’Lavon Chaisson was later also added to the mix.
Along the interior, New England gave a monster deal to Milton Williams. Adding him to a depth chart also featuring a convalescent Christian Barmore and third-year man Keion White should immediately upgrade the Patriots’ pass rush.
In addition, Khyiris Tonga was signed in free agency as well while Jeremiah Pharms Jr. was re-signed on a two-year pact. Jaquelin Roy, Eric Johnson and Marcus Harris — depth options in 2024 — remain under contract as well. Meanwhile, former starters Davon Godchaux and Deatrich Wise Jr. left the organization via trade and free agency, respectively.
Entering the draft, the Patriots are in the market for more help particularly on the edge.
Patriots NFL Draft fits along the defensive line
Abdul Carter (Penn State): The top edge in this year’s draft has all the makings of an immediate impact player and somebody who would have a transformative effect on New England’s edge group. The biggest question is whether or not he will be available at No. 4 overall; if he is, the Patriots might find themselves in a “run to the podium” situation — Carter is that good of a prospect. | Consensus big board: No. 3
Mason Graham (Michigan): Adding Graham to a unit already featuring the likes of Christian Barmore, Milton Williams and Keion White would be a luxury given the needs elsewhere on the roster. However, he has game-wrecker potential along the interior and could be an anchor along the New England defensive line for years to come. | Consensus big board: No. 4
Mykel Williams (Georgia): Williams is only just scratching the surface of his potential, but his foundation is already impressively solid. He would be an A-plus run defender from the get-go while offering a sky-high ceiling as a pass rusher as well. At only 20 years old, the future is looking bright for the Georgia product. | Consensus big board: No. 15
Shemar Stewart (Texas A&M): Stewart posted just 4.5 sacks in three seasons at Texas A&M, and yet he is one of the most exciting edge prospects this year. Why? Because he is an athletic freak who offers a rare blend of size, power and movement skills. He is not yet the sum of his parts, but his upside is obvious. | Consensus big board: No. 16
Nic Scourton (Texas A&M): One of the youngest prospects in this year’s draft, Scourton combines an intriguing skillset with developmental upside. Even though it might take some acclimation period for him to get used to playing against NFL competition, he offers three-down potential due to his expertise against both the run and the pass. | Consensus big board: No. 40
Landon Jackson (Arkansas): Built like an Ent — one of those walking trees in Lord of the Rings — Jackson is the complete package on the edge as well as a leadership candidate off the field. He may not be the flashiest athlete, but he is a well-rounded prospect capable of making positive contributions from early on in his career. | Consensus big board: No. 50
Darius Alexander (Toledo): Playing with his hair on fire, Alexander has drawn comparisons to Patriots lineman Keion White. He will need time for all his positive traits to develop into one offense-disrupting whole, but he has the skill to make a difference from Day 1. | Consensus big board: No. 52
Jack Sawyer (Ohio): Is Sawyer the most naturally gifted edge available in this year’s draft? No. Can he still be a productive player at the next level? You bet. A well-built energizer bunny and locker room leader in Columbus, he should be a factor as a rotational player as early as his rookie season. | Consensus big board: No. 62
Jordan Burch (Oregon): Burch won’t wow you with his measurables or athletic traits, but he does everything at a high level and could step into a prominent rotational role right away. Injuries are a concern, but he is as ready-made a lineman as they come. | Consensus big board: No. 71
Josiah Stewart (Michigan): What the 6-foot-1, 249-pound Stewart lacks in size, he makes up for with a non-stop motor and an ability to use his leverage to his advantage. He was one of the most disruptive pass rushers in college football in 2024, and should take on a similar role at the next level as well. | Consensus big board: No. 80
Omarr Norman-Lott (Tennessee): Norman-Lott was a rotational player in college and might lack the size for an every-down role at the next level. However, there is no denying his disruptive nature and does-not-run-cold motor. | Consensus big board: No. 84
Jared Ivey (Ole Miss): Ivey is a player fitting the Patriots’ vision for their defense. He is a disruptor through and through, can be used in several spots up front, and was a well-liked locker room presence in college. He is not the most natural of edges, but somebody who can add definitive value to the room. | Consensus big board: No. 112
Obviously, this is just a snapshot of potential defensive linemen the Patriots might target in this year’s draft. Others such as James Pearce Jr. (Tennessee), Oluwafemi Oladejo (UCLA) or Princely Umanmielen (Ole Miss) would also make sense. What all of this goes to show, however, is that New England doing plenty of work at the position is no surprise for two reasons: the need at the position, and the tons of talent being available even beyond the likes of blue-chip prospects Abdul Carter and Mason Graham.