The New England Patriots are one of the most stable organizations in the history of professional sports. As they approach the 2018 NFL Draft, one can’t help but feel as though the key to the Patriots sustaining that success will be to complete the construction of the defensive line
The Patriots have an opportunity to do exactly that by adding USC Trojans defensive lineman and meteoric draft riser Rasheem Green.
Green has a big body that can be shifted around the defensive line at 6’5″ and 280 pounds with compelling athleticism. That alone will appeal to the Patriots, as he can beat offensive tackles with his speed and active hands, or shift inside and create penetration.
The ideal scenario here would be for Green to achieve such a level of success that the Patriots can have less of a rotation of linemen and develop a more concrete set of options.
With Green on one side and Trey Flowers on the other, Bill Belichick would have two quality young ends to build his pass rush around. With Malcolm Brown at defensive tackle, the Patriots would have three 24-and-under players to build the front seven around.
Versatility is the name of the game with the Patriots, and Green has it in spades—thus making him the perfect fit at No. 32.
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Much could change between now and April, but if the 2018 NFL Draft shapes up like this, the future of the sport will be in good hands.