New England Patriots: 7-Round 2018 mock draft in mid-March
As you know, the passing game rules today’s NFL. Having a franchise quarterback is obviously of utmost important. However, it is also obviously important to protect your quarterback and naturally create pressure on the opposing quarterback.
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As things stand now, the New England Patriots lack impact pass rushers up front. Guys like Trey Flowers and Deatrich Wise have some ability as edge rushers, but New England simply does not have quality depth at the position. Adding Taven Bryan and Hercules Mata’afa to the mix is certainly a step in the right direction. That being said, you can never have too many pass rushers. With their compensatory fourth-round selection, the Pats take another shot at some pass rush upside.
Kemoko Turay is an extremely explosive and athletic edge rusher who shows immense upside at the next level. He consistently explodes off the line of scrimmage on the outside, showing the speed and quickness to beat opposing offensive tackles to the edge.
Turay does not bend well around the edge and needs to improve his pass rush repertoire at the next level. That being said, his ability to create pressure with speed and athleticism is incredibly obvious. Turay is a fantastic developmental prospect who would have a lot of upside in the Patriots defense. Add in the fact that Bill Belichick loves Rutgers players and I could certainly the Pats taking a shot on Turay in the middle rounds.