Patriots Predicted To Add 33.5‑Sack Pass Rusher To Boost Defense

The New England Patriots will likely be looking to strengthen their defensive line in the offseason, and The Athletic’s Dane Brugler has an ideal fit for them.

Brugler released his first NFL mock draft since the conclusion of the regular season, predicting that the Patriots will select Miami pass rusher Akheem Mesidor at pick 30.

“Yes, Mesidor is older (he’ll turn 25 in April), but he won’t need a ramp-up period as a rookie — Mike Vrabel could wind him up and cut him loose on Day 1,” Brugler wrote on Thursday. “New England ranked in the bottom third of the league in sacks and QB hits and should continue to address its pass rush this offseason.”

Mesidor is currently in his sixth collegiate season and is in his fourth year with the Hurricanes after spending his first two seasons at West Virginia. Throughout this season, he has recorded 10.5 sacks and accumulated 15.5 tackles for loss over 14 games, with one more matchup scheduled for Monday night in the National Championship. Mesidor has 33.5 total sacks through 64 career games.

The Hurricanes are contending for the title thanks to their standout pass rushers, Mesidor and Rueben Bain Jr., who have been playing exceptionally well.  

New England should focus on selecting a pass rusher with one of its first two picks and adding Mesidor would be a fantastic upgrade to the roster.