FOXBORO, Mass. — Watch out, AFC East quarterbacks. The New England Patriots suddenly have a surplus of pass rushers.
The Patriots are stacked at the position after acquiring veteran Jabaal Sheard in free agency and drafting Geneo Grissom, Trey Flowers and Xzavier Dickson to complement starters Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich. The Patriots are unlikely to carry six pass rushers on their 53-man roster, so competition in organized team activities, minicamp, training camp and preseason games will be fierce.
Right now, however, Flowers is just trying to focus on acclimating to the Patriots.
“I’m not looking into that competition,” Flowers said. “Obviously, you know, we got a lot of guys, but as long as I can get better each and every day, that’s a win for me. I’m not looking as far as getting on the field right now. Right now, I’m getting into the playbook, getting into the right condition, getting into the right shape, learning the speed of the game and things like that. That will just help me become a better player.”
Grissom acknowledged the competition exists, but he’s not worried about getting immediate playing time.
“It’s high competition,” Grissom said. “Everybody’s working hard here to do their job. Not everybody’s spot’s promised. You have to earn it. …
“I’m not too worried about getting on the field early. I’m just worried about doing whatever the coaches ask of me and hopefully making the 53-man roster.”
Flowers and Grissom are roommates to begin their NFL careers, so while they fight for roster spots and depth chart slots, they’ll also be coexisting and aiding one another.
“We do study together,” Grissom said. “It’s all a process. We all just have to work to get better everyday. If I have a question, I know I can go to Trey and ask it, and he knows the same with me.”
Neither player said they’re leaning on one particular veteran while learning the Patriots’ complex defense, but all of their new teammates have been helpful.
“Everybody’s really good if I have any questions,” Grissom said. “I can go to pretty much anybody, and they will help me out.”
The Patriots could get creative this season if they carry extra edge defenders. Jones, Grissom and Flowers all have experience rushing the passer from defensive tackle, while Ninkovich, Sheard, Dickson and Grissom also have lined up at outside linebacker. The Patriots can attack the quarterback from a number of angles.
Veterans Jake Bequette, Zach Moore, Rufus Johnson and Eric Martin also will be competing for spots on the roster, and 2014 first-round draft pick Dominique Easley saw some action at defensive end last season.
The Patriots obviously viewed pass-rush help as a major need over the offseason and addressed it accordingly. Both Flowers and Grissom are smart not to get ahead of themselves, focusing on making the roster first.
Thumbnail photo via John David Mercer/USA TODAY Sports Images
