How Jerod Mayo Thinks Former Pro Bowler Will Help Patriots

The New England Patriots got a boost to the defensive front seven when they claimed veteran edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue on Friday.

Jerod Mayo is excited to get the 29-year-old into the mix of the Patriots’ defense.

“I’ve watched him on tape for a very long time,” Mayo told reporters, per team-provided transcript. “He’s been a very productive player in this league. He has not met with the team yet. In saying that, he’ll get with the coaches here soon.

“I’m excited to really teach him the playbook and excited to see what he will bring to this team. Look, he’s not just a pass rusher. This guy has the skill set to be able to play on all three downs, which is always exciting. Kudos to the scouting department and all those guys for always trying to improve our roster, and we see this as a way of improving us now and going forward.”

Ngakoue recorded just 1.5 sacks in five games this season before being released by the Baltimore Ravens. He tallied a career-high 12 sacks and a league-leading six forced fumbles with the Jacksonville Jaguars in his 2017 Pro Bowl season.

Mayo added he and several of the Patriots’ coaches have had the opportunity to connect with Ngakoue before he arrives in New England.

“He’s excited for the opportunity,” Mayo said. “And so are we.”

The Patriots will be Ngakoue’s seventh team in his nine-year NFL career. He also spent time with the Minnesota Vikings, Las Vegas Raiders, Chicago Bears and Indianapolis Colts, who he had 9.5 sacks with just two seasons ago.