The Patriots are having an outstanding season, and while things are looking up for them, there are still a few gaps they’ll need to address in the offseason.
One of the areas New England will need to focus on is adding more pass rushers to get pressure on opposing quarterbacks. ESPN’s Jordan Reid might’ve found a possible solution for the Patriots to add to the defensive line.
Reid unveiled a mock draft predicting that the Patriots will select Matayo Uiagalelei, an edge rusher from Oregon, with the 29th overall pick.
“The Patriots’ massive turnaround from 4-13 in 2024 to 14-3 this season has been based in large part on coach Mike Vrabel’s development of the young core,” Reid wrote on Tuesday. “Uiagalelei can add to that core and is ready to play right away. He plays with all-out effort and is capable of fitting into multiple schemes at 6-foot-5, 272 pounds.
“Uiagalelei is already an asset in run defense but must continue to improve his pass-rush moves to help the Patriots on the edge, especially because K’Lavon Chaisson is set to become a free agent.”
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The 20-year-old pass rusher has recorded six sacks this season over 14 games, bringing his career total to 18.5 sacks in 41 games with the Ducks.
Oregon will face Indiana in the Peach Bowl this Friday night, offering Patriots fans an excellent opportunity to catch a glimpse of Uiagalelei in action.
Featured image via Eric Canha/Imagn Images
