2018 NFL Mock Draft: Opening Weekend Edition
By Jon Dove
32. New England Patriots- Harold Landry, Edge, Boston College
Over the past few years the New England Patriots have lost some very effective pass rusher. It started with Chandler Jones who was traded to the Arizona Cardinals. Next they lost Jabaal Sheard via free agency and Rob Ninkovich to retirement.
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This has left Trey Flowers as the team’s top pass rush threat. Flowers has flashed over the course of his career, but is still relatively inexperienced. He surely isn’t the type of force we typically see on a championship caliber defense.
New England may need to start getting creative with their play calling in order to generate pressure. They could also use the upcoming draft to address this problem.
Boston College’s Harold Landry is a known commodity and is quickly rounding into a force. He features a combination of quickness and movement skills. Landry does most of his damage attack the edge and counter inside.
Many have Landry rated much higher on their draft board. My evaluation showed that Landry still has some areas that need improvement. There are too many times where he just doesn’t jump off the screen.
Dominant pass rushers typically make their presence known and provide a spark. Landry needs to find a way to make a more consistent impact.