For the second year in the row everyone is wondering if the Patriots will alter their philosophy of only taking three down players in the first round to take a pass rushing DE/OLB conversion project.
Last year Jerry Hughes was that guy I was kinda hoping they pick. Which in hindsight was obviously the wrongest choice they could’ve made.
This year the sexy pass rushing pick has got to be Ryan Kerrigan.
The only knock on him is that he might be more suited to play in a 4-3 defense where he’s not asked to play in space or cover tight ends.
So schematically he might not be a perfect fit for the Pats, especially early in the draft as it would probably take him longer to develop into a run defender than it did for Jermaine Cunningham.
But right off the bat he’s bringing a non-stop motor, excellent leadership and attitude. He looks like he has the size and speed to get to the quarterback, a need the Pats desperately have.
So if he’s there at 17, do they take him? Watch the video below and I guarantee your answer is yes!