2011 NFL Draft: Should the New England Patriots Take a Pass-Rushing OLB First?

April 12, 2011   ·   Randolph Charlotin   ·   Jump to comments

Outside linebacker. A pass rusher. Someone who can consistently collapse the pocket with speed and/or power.
It's a position fans want the New England Patriots to draft early. We believe a double-digit sackmeister would take the defense to the next level, turning it into a championship-caliber unit.
Head coach Bill Belichick couldn't disagree more though.
Belichick believes sacks are overrated and is more interested in a player who will first stop the run and then consistently pressure the quarterback.
While I agree with Belichick to a degree, I want an OLB who will regularly take down the QB, not just brush by the passer.
In other words, someone who will finish the job.
Great QBs complete passes while under pressure; they can't complete passes lying flat on the ground though.
Belichick may want to rethink his approach.
Take away the 2001 and 2002 seasons because the Patriots played in a 4-3 defense during those years. Using statistics from ...

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