Patriots Draft Primer – Defensive Tackle

Rolling on with our new “Patriots Draft Primer” segment we will focus in on the Defensive Tackle position.

Where we stand:

The Patriots addressed this position in the off season by bringing in Davon Godchaux and locking up Lawrence Guy long term. They also signed Montravius Adams and Henry Anderson (who projects as more of a Defensive End but can flash into the middle if needed). The above-mentioned join Akeem Spence, Byron Cowart, Carl Davis, Michael Barnett, and Bill Murray to round out the group of true Defensive Tackles.

Lawrence Guy is the most underappreciated defender on the Patriots. He does the little things that do not show up on the stat sheet but are necessary for a successful defense. He slides right back into the #1 DT spot on the depth chart. I do not expect big things from Godchaux or Adams as they will primarily be used as run stuffers. Godchaux has a lengthy injury history and barely any NFL statistics. Adams can be a rotational depth piece on early downs. As things stand now, I would slot Byron Cowart as the #2 DT. I have been impressed with his body of work as he continues to gain more game reps.

What we need:

Our current list of Defensive Tackles leans heavily toward run defenders. We do not have anyone aside from Lawrence Guy who can apply pressure up the middle on passing downs. The Patriots struggled with this middle pressure throughout the entire 2020 season. There are however a good number of options to address this need in the 2021 NFL draft.

Draft Options:

There are roughly 45 Interior Defensive Linemen prospects in this year’s NFL Draft. If the Patriots do not want to spend on the sure thing Barmore at pick #15 then I am all for Nixon, Williams, or Twyman (my personal favorite).    

Christian Barmore – 1^st Round Grade – Alabama

Explosive, bully to blockers, finds the ball, quick, impressive production within the SEC. Needs to be better conditioned. Versatile. The best pass rushing DT in the draft class. Can struggle in the run game.

Levi Onwuzurike – 2^nd Round Grade – Washington

Personality traits both off and on the field are exactly what the Patriots look for in their prospects. Powerful burst off the line. Needs to add more to his frame. Finds himself on the ground. Game tape yields more than the stat sheet does. Fast hands. Can penetrate up the middle.

Milton Williams – 3^rd Round Grade – Louisiana Tech

Long body with explosive moves. Lateral speed jumps out on film as he can get to the outside on screens to make a play. High effort. Conditioning is on the upswing but needs to continue to improve. Led the team in sacks for the last two seasons. Needs to improve hands and work on finishing. Would like to see him add to his frame.

Daviyon Nixon – 3^rd Round Grade – Iowa

Finds his way into the backfield due to his explosive jump. Quick with good strength. Finds the ball. Great character traits on the field/team leader. Best ball still ahead of him. Struggles with balance and needs to improve consistency. Complete run stop facet of his game needs improvement. Struggles to shed blocks. Gives up on the play.

Osa Odighizuwa – 4^th Round Grade – UCLA

Strong powerful frame. Nice hand control and leverage to win. Lateral speed jumps out on film. Athletic and disrupts the passing lanes. High motor/high effort. Needs to expand pass rushing moves. Needs to improve mental game. Offers position versatility along the line. Needs to become more efficient and not waste energy or time in space.

Darius Stills – 5^th to 6^th Round Grade – West Virginia

Quick and plays with good bend. Powerful hands. High motor. Solid production on the stats sheet. Undersized. Needs to refine his technique at the next level and not just rely on quickness to win his battle. Limited versatility. Plays undisciplined at times.

Jaylen Twyman – 5^th to 6^th Round Grade – Pittsburgh

My favorite prospect on the list. Great off the line and plays a balanced game. Vast portfolio of pass rushing moves. High energy player. Impressive 2019 production (opted out of 2020 season). Great on the field praise from all coaches. Needs to improve his athleticism. A minor off the field concern. Needs to work on shedding blocks. Offers position versatility. Shows flashes of Aaron Donald. Didn’t impress at Pro Day.