Patriots Predicted to Add 6-Foot-5, 260-Pound Pass Rusher After Super Bowl

The New England Patriots are in the Super Bowl, but that does not mean the team does not have needs to address in the offseason.

The Patriots had just 35 sacks in the regular season, and adding a pass rusher could be on their list of priorities this offseason. After the Senior Bowl, Pro Football Focus’ Trevor Sikkema predicted the Patriots would draft Zion Young out of the University of Missouri.

“Young was as advertised at the Senior Bowl. The 6-foot-5, 260-pound edge defender showcased power and explosiveness in the team drills and one-on-ones,” Sikkema wrote on Monday. “He also has a defensive lineman’s mindset, meaning he is competitive, tough and physical at all times. He’ll get more first-round buzz after this past week.”

Young had 6.5 sacks, 42 tackles, 16.5 tackles for a loss, two passes defended and two forced fumbles last season. He had tthe best season of his college career.

In four years split between Missouri and Michigan State, he had 11.5 sacks in 46 games. With K’Lavon Chaisson entering free agency, Young could be a great target for the Patriots in the draft.

The Patriots are slated to be picking at either No. 31 or No. 32 in the draft. Young could be a riser on draft boards as the pre-draft process ramps up, but he would be a great addition to the Patriots, regardless of what happens with Chaisson in free agency.

The Patriots rotate their pass rushers and use plenty of guys in their pass rush rotation. Even if the Patriots re-sign Chaisson, Young could have a major impact as part of the group as a whole.