Three Edge Rusher Prospects For The Patriots

Maintaining the edge and containing the ball behind the line is something the Patriots could always improve on. Getting pressure from the edge could also help the Patriots as their pass rush needs to improve. Here's three prospects I like in this draft.

Carlos Basham Wake Forset 6'3" 285lbs

Nfl.com draft score: 6.29

Intelligent with a high motor, who occasionally gets caught freelancing.

Good power to beat Blockers with use of hands. Block shredder who draws double teams. Has good run stopping ability and several pass rush moves in his arsenal. Occasionally struggles to get away from blockers and allows himself to get redirected. Block recognition is not where it should be and occasionally runs himself outta plays. Inconsistent with snap timing, doesn't always get off quickly, and has a tendency to play at a higher pad level. Lateral movement and top speed maybe a cause for concern but is good at pursuit, whether it's the quarterback or ball carrier. Hits with enough force to cause fumbles. Disrupts the pocket and is smart enough to know when to get his hands up. Plays multiple techniques and can play in the 43 end or 34 outside linebacker. Is reportedly almost at his ceiling.

In 42 games 173 tackles, 35.5 for loss. 19.5 sacks and 8 passes deflected with 7 forced fumbles, 3 fumble recoveries, and a touchdown.

Joe Tyron Washington 6'5" 260lbs

NFLcom draft score: 6 31

Athletic Hybrid end 43-end 34-olb who explodes off the edge. Has good strength to disrupt the pocket and shred blocks. Good side to side movement, with a quick burst off the snap or to the ball carrier. Uses hands against run blockers well. Can drop back into pass coverage. Gets good leverage on blockers. Is raw from lack of play time, opted out the 2020 season. Has a passive playstyle and will need to get more aggressive, needs to work on pass rush moves and refining his techniques. Occasionally gets tunnel vision and chargers, needs to be more aware. Being a hybrid, he has a tweener size which works both for and against him.

In 23 games, 61 tackles with 14.5 for loss. 9 sacks and 2 passes defended.

Jamar Watson Kentucky

Nfl.com draft score:

43 end 34 olb suited for nickle-dime linebacker schemes. Plays with a high motor and is very quick in pursuit. Shows good instincts but needs to improve his vision. Good size for a linebacker but a tweener size as he can play both end and linebacker. Shows good use of hands against the run, wraps up tackles and punches at the ball. Shows inconsistency in coverage and as a pass rusher. Speed to chase down backs and athleticism in coverage might be a concern. Is still very raw with a lot of upside. Solid development project that could be used situational early in his career.

In 38 games totaled 107 tackles with 28.5 tackles for loss. 18.5 sacks, 6 forced fumbles, 1 recovery. 4 passes deflected and 1 interception.