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Well, here’s where me and Coach BB disagree, I think, but I’d use a first rounder if the right guy is there with the explosion and array of moves necessary to win as a pass rusher in the NFL.

Here’s my argument, BB has said that the nickel corner is essentially considered a starter now. And that’s backed up by the fact that the traditional “sub” defense is now actually the base.

That’s not to say that this sub defense means it’s an all-out pass rush defense. You very well might not have your designated pass rusher in there, especially on early downs, even if you have five defensive backs on the field.

Still, the DPR is the next guy into the mix, and while you can’t technically call him a “three-down” player, he’s going to have a significant impact on a significant percentage of the defensive snaps.

When you look at what the Patriots defense has stunk at in recent years, it’s clear. 

In the last four seasons, the Pats are the worst defense in the NFL giving up 20+ passes and on third down. Those are critical areas.

Those two situations speak directly to the DPR as I see it and these stats are inexcusable. It’s pretty much a miracle that the Pats have won as much as they have, but what has saved them is their red zone defense (esp. 2013) and TFB.

So that’s why I think a DPR is worth a first round pick. They will be an impact player at a position of extreme need. Will they play a ton against a run-first team? Maybe not, but against the elite QB’s of the league they might not come off the field.

It’s pretty amazing that last year heading into camp one of the biggest questions was how does all this tight end depth play out. Then they cut almost everyone, with Buchanan winning the DPR role out of camp and we see Nink/Chandler essentially never come off the field with Andre Carter coming on late in the season.

There’s no question that better cornerback and defensive tackle play will help the pass rush. And really, there’s a lot more to defensive ends than pass rush. It’s a part of the equation, but nearly as important as setting the edge, playing strong at the point of attack, etc.

I think the real question is can they find a legitimate threat as a designated pass rusher. Mark Anderson in 2011, pre-Carter injury, is the only time they ever really had that threat and we saw the results. Had Carter not gone down, the Pats very well closed out the Giants in the Super Bowl.

Buchanan could still be that guy, but I think you’re right, they need to throw more at the wall and I’m sure that will happen in the draft and late free agency.

You’re speaking my language, brother. Defensive Ends and Linebackers are the only positions anyone talks about when it comes to pass rush, but really the best and most effective pass rushers are those coming from the inside. 

As I’ve said over and over again in recent years, the Pats were deficient in this area because they tended to have more nose tackle-types inside. It worked well in protecting against sub-runs and Wilfork was clearly a beast inside that caused problems, but they just didn’t have that upfield presence and I think they really paid for it on third-and-longs. They were the third-worst defense in the NFL from 2010-2013 on 3rd-and-8-plus yards.

So yes, I think guys like Chris Jones (as part of a rotation, not playing 90% of the snaps), Armond Armstead and even Chandler sliding inside should help the interior rush. But a guy like Easley, who embodies all that I want, would really be a great addition.

There’s still a place for big space eaters, but they just need to have more depth with different kinds of d-linemen.