The Patriots double dipped for the front seven with their third pick in the 2017 NFL draft, taking defensive end Dietrich Wise from Arkansas.
While Derek Rivers seems more in the Jamie Collins mold, Wise feels a little more like Chandler Jones. Not quite as athletic as Jones, but perhaps more stout via his uncommonly long 35 inch arms.
There’s some question as to how exactly he’ll fit in the New England defense, but he’s demonstrated some versatility and should be an asset. I’m curious to see him inside on passing downs instead of say, Malcom Brown.
If Wise can protect against the run, but also bring a little more athleticism on the field, he would be useful. I’m not sure he’s got the speed to ever be an edge rusher, and that’s okay. He’s just another tool for Belichick and Patricia’s true amoeba defense that played 88 percent of their snaps in “sub” defense, aka with five or more defensive backs.
Wise should likely spend most of the time with his hand on the ground, controlling blockers, allowing the guys like Rivers to make plays. Both players can set the edge of the defense, but will do so from different roles at different times.
The Patriots reinforced the heart of their defense with needed and promising depth.
From NFL.com:
Uncommon arm length (35 inches) with enormous hands. Terrific power in his punch and is able to jolt tackles with it. Uses brute force to set a strong edge. Can rag-doll blockers with stack-and-jerk upper body power. Effective use of arm length to keep blockers out of his frame. Heavy tackler engulfing ball carrier with full weight of his frame. Uses long strides to gain ground up the field as pass rusher. Powers through contact when he’s at the edge. Legitimate bull-rush potential when pad level is good. Has frame that will accept more mass. Quick getting hands into passing lane when rush stalls. Deflected six passes over last two seasons. His “try-hard” is never in doubt. Has experience as a five-technique in Arkansas’ defensive front.