Patriots Predicted To Add 17-Sack Pass Rusher To Pair With Dre'Mont Jones

Patriots Predicted To Add 17-Sack Pass Rusher To Pair With Dre'Mont Jones originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The NFL draft is just five weeks away, and the New England Patriots have several options for their first-round pick.

New England might consider trading its selection to the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for wide receiver A.J. Brown. However, if that deal doesn’t go through, The Athletic's Patriots reporter Chad Graff believes New England could use the No. 31 pick on Oklahoma pass rusher R Mason Thomas.

"With hopes still alive for an AJ Brown trade this summer, the Pats’ priority with their first pick is likely edge rusher over wide receiver," Graff wrote on Thursday. "They signed Dre’Mont Jones in free agency, which gives them a big edge rusher with the versatility to slide inside if needed. In a lot of ways, Thomas is the opposite. He’s slighter (241 pounds), and some teams might view him as too small, but he is a true speed rusher who would immediately boost the Patriots’ pass rush."

Thomas played four seasons at Oklahoma, appearing in 42 games and recording 65 tackles, 17 sacks and 25.5 tackles for loss.

New England lost pass rusher K'Lavon Chaisson to the Washington Commanders this offseason. Even after signing Jones, the Patriots could still benefit from bringing in an emerging pass rusher to develop. Thomas might be an excellent fit for that role.

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