Patriots Eye Defensive Overhaul at NFL Scouting Combine

INDIANAPOLIS – The NFL Scouting Combine kicked off Thursday at Lucas Oil Stadium, with a spotlight on the linebacker and defensive line workouts. Amid this showcase, news surfaced that the New England Patriots have granted nose tackle Davon Godchaux permission to seek a trade, signaling potential changes to their defensive strategy.

The move away from Godchaux, who is considered incompatible with head coach Mike Vrabel‘s envisioned aggressive defensive scheme, ushers in an era that prioritizes more explosive players capable of making impactful plays in the backfield. Historically, the Patriots have utilized a two-gapping, odd front (3-4) defense that focused on larger space-eater linemen.

In a recent interview on the Patriots Draft Countdown, Vrabel elaborated on Williams’s coaching philosophy, emphasizing a need for aggression on the defensive front. “We want to play on their side of the line of scrimmage,” Vrabel stated. “We want to have a lot of different things at our disposal to teach the players, and it might mean some new teaching, and that’s okay.”

With Godchaux potentially on the move, other defensive line members including Deatrich Wise Jr. and Daniel Ekuale face uncertainty as they prepare for unrestricted free agency. Following a disappointing 2024 season that saw the Patriots rank 29th in team pressure rate and 16th in run-stopping success, a significant retooling in the defensive line appears imminent under Vrabel’s leadership.

This year’s NFL Draft offers a promising selection for defensive linemen, with expectations that over 20 prospects could be ready to start at the NFL level, offering a wealth of talent that could extend through the third day of the draft. Eliot Wolf, the Patriots’ Executive Vice President of Player Personnel, acknowledged the richness of the defensive line class, describing it as one of the strongest position groups available this year.

As the combine’s athletic testing commenced, several top prospects, including Abdul Carter and Mason Graham, did not participate. Carter, dealing with a stress reaction in his right foot, must wait until his Pro Day for workouts, while Graham completed the bench press but will showcase his skills during his Pro Day. This trend of top-tier athletes opting out of athletic tests is notable, with first-round candidates Jalon Walker, Mykel Williams, and Kenneth Grant also missing workouts.

Following the Thursday workouts, here are key takeaways related to potential Patriots targets:

1. Mike Vrabel Addresses Combine on NFL Network – During an NFL Network broadcast, Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel discussed New England’s strategy regarding their fourth overall pick. He indicated that the team met with Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter and hinted at the possibility of trading down to improve overall value.

2. Mason Graham’s Measurements – Although Graham did not participate in drills, he measured at 6-foot-3 and 296 pounds, surprising many by weighing less than expected. His performances on tape demonstrate potential value, although his size raises some concerns during evaluations.

3. Jalon Walker’s Versatility – The Georgia linebacker demonstrated skills resembling past Patriots players, capable of functioning in multiple roles including off-ball linebacker and edge rusher. While his size may be slightly lacking when compared to prototypical standards, his game presents striking similarities to players like Jamie Collins and Dont’a Hightower.

4. Shemar Stewart’s Potential – Texas A&M’s edge rusher Shemar Stewart impressed with a compelling performance at the combine, bolstering expectations for his draft capital. His explosive athleticism could translate into significant impact at the professional level.

5. Standout Edge Rushers – James Pearce Jr. from Tennessee ranked as the fastest edge rusher at the combine, while Landon Jackson and Femi Oladejo also caught the eyes of scouts with their performances, demonstrating the depth of the edge rusher class this year.

6. Strong Defensive Tackle Class – Several defensive tackles, including Ty Robinson and Tyrion Ingram-Dawkins, excelled during athletic testing. With a robust group of linemen available, the Patriots might seek to address their needs later in the draft.

7. Jihaad Campbell as a Potential Trade-Up Candidate – Alabama linebacker Jihaad Campbell’s outstanding play at the combine combined with his impressive tape raises questions as to whether the Patriots would consider trading up to select him, bolstering their front seven.

The on-field activities at the combine serve not only as a showcase for raw talent but also a strategic juncture to evaluate prospects that fit the team’s evolving defensive philosophy.