Liked your piece on the development needed from Dominique Easley. One question I have on Easly is — is he an hydrid DE/DT in the Michael Bennet mode that would play DE in base defense and kick inside to rush the passer in sub? Or was he playing out of necessity (and out of position) this year at DE? If so, we should expect Belichick to sign a veteran pass rusher in the offseason as he usually does, no matter how Zach Moore and/or Michael Buchanan are experted to develop

I think Easley should be the DPR, doesn’t necessarily mean he has to be a DE that kicks inside, he can be a DT that kicks outside. Or even just the regular DT if he shows enough ability to hold up against the run. He did see some snaps at DE primarily out of necessity, and I was surprised at how well he did it. 

Now that he’ll be a full two years removed from his ACL surgery, I expect him to really flash in training camp. Anything less will be a disappointment.

As for signing a veteran I think Ayers makes the most sense as a third edge rusher for sub, but who can also play on the edge/LB. I am curious to see how Moore develops behind Ninkovich as the LDE. He is a big man and could be an interesting player in that spot down the road. 

Buchanan seems more of a RDE as a pass rusher type. I was disappointed to see his season end on IR.