Yesterday I covered the Patriots needs at WR. Today, I will go over what the Patriots might look to do about a pass rush (we will get to CBs later). We have seen time and again that the Patriots really aren't interested in drafted that kind of player. I keep waiting for it, and it never comes. Maybe they do it this year, but let's pretend it doesn't.
The Patriots pass rush was actually much better this year. Carter had a nice year for them, and so did Anderson. Both those guys are free agents. Carter is at the end of his career, I guess I could see them bringing him back for low money one year deal, and maybe use him as a straight up 3rd down pass rusher. Anderson is more interesting. He has 10 sacks this year and is still just 28 years old. I would really like to see him back.
My question is what the Patriots are going to do next year in terms of what defense they are going to run. They played a lot of 4-3 this year, but later in the year they seemed to go back to a 3-4 (and played better). Maybe a full (non lockout) offseason can transition it over, or maybe they just switch back and forth.
If they stick for a base 4-3 then their LBs are kind set with Spikes, Mayo, and Ninkovich. I am fine with that. If they go to a 3-4, then they might need to bring someone in. Guyton is a bust, and I although Fletcher is decent they would need a bit more depth.
Still, I think it's the defensive line that would need to be improved. Love is decent, Wilfork is a a beat, Ellis was a bust. Here are some guys they could look at...
Mario Williams - Wow, wouldn't that be a dream to put him on a defensive line with Wilfork. Plus, he can even play some OLB, though I think he is better as a DE. This is the dream, I don't think the Patriots will be able to bring him in, but the very thought of it gives me an erection.
Cliff Avril - Has 19 1/2 sacks over the last two season, and is still only 26 years old. He also seems to be trending up: 2009 5.5 sacks, 2010 8.5 sacks, 2011 11 sacks.
Red Bryant - About to turn 28. Had 16 sacks last year. He is more of an end for a 3-4 defense, so if they are going back to that, could be interesting.
Robert Mathis - Is starting to get older (31), but man this guy can be a force. He has terrorized Brady in the past, and is a great pure rusher, and fast as hell. Might even be able to play some OLB if need be.
Jeremy Mincey - Decent pass rusher (10 sacks), but more of an all around decent DE. Turning 29 years old.
John Abraham - 9 1/2 sacks last year, is starting to get old (34). He would've had more sacks if he was healthy all year. The Patriots have showed they like bringing in these older guys (Carter/Ellis), so maybe this could be a nice short term option.
Sione Pouha - Has played NT for the Jets and racks up a lot of tackles. The Patriots have moved Wilfork all over the line, and him and Wilfork could be a nice duo in the middle. Yet, he is 33 years old.
The dream is Williams, but I could actually picture them grabbing Mathis.