Our second part of the BSJ Combine Recapturns our attention to the defensive side of the ball for New England. This past season, the Patriots finished with the eighth-ranked overall defense, allowing 295.2 yards per game. During the playoffs, the defense played a key role in advancing to the Super Bowl, as the team relegated opponents to a postseason low of just 209.7 yards per game.
Clearly, there are some patches on defense that will need to be filled this offseason. The biggest focus for New England seems to be on shoring up the edge rusher position, an area they made sure to get familiar with during their week in Indy. At this juncture, it’s looking more likely that last year’s free agent bargain, K’Lavon Chaisson,is going to be overpriced on the open market. After signing a one-year, $3M deal last offseason (max value of $5M), Chiasson is expected to command at least double that amount, if they wish to retain his services.
With Chiasson commanding the big bucks, New England could look to turn their attention towards one of the more proven veterans who have become available. Players such as Trey Hendrickson (Bengals) or Jaelan Phillips(Eagles) appear to be realistic targets. However, the Patriots made sure to get to know several edge rushers from this year’s incoming rookie crop during the combine.
New England executive vice president of player personnel Eliot Wolfacknowledged the need during his podium interview, noting “This draft offers a lot of different depth at varying areas, edge being one of them,” he said. “I think it’s a fairly deep class at that position. Obviously an area of need for our team, so it matches up nicely.”
The Patriots had formal visits with multiple pass-rushers at the combine, including potential first-round targets such as Zion Young of Missouri, Akheem Mesidor of Maimi and Cashius Howell of Texas A&M, along with Keyron Crawfordof Auburn, who is considered to be in the Day 2 range (more on the edge rushers below).
When asked what he specifically looks for when identifying fits at the edge spot, head coach Mike Vrabelprovided an insightful snapshot during his meet-and-greet with the assembled media in Indy. “I think that there’s got to be a violence, there’s got to be ability to move off the football and to create some sort of disruption,” he said. “You have to be able to factor in on the quarterback, you have to be able to make plays on the football. We know the quarterback is responsible for the most turnovers in football. So, can they affect the quarterback? And then the ability to set the edge, rush and have enough coverage acumen that the few times we ask them to do it, they can do it.”
The exterior of the defensive line isn’t the only need for New England, as they could be seeking a replacement on the interior with the pending status of Christian Barmore, who is owed $10M guaranteed on March 13 and also has a legal pending matter, placing him in the same category as Stefon Diggs (will be released), as a potential cap casualty. The Patriots had formal interviews with several defensive tackles in Indianapolis, including Tyler Onyedim of Texas A&M, Nick Barrett of South Carolina, and Kaleb Proctorof Southeastern Louisiana, who enjoyed a stellar combine, coming off an impressive showing at the East-West Shrine Bowl. All of these prospects are expected to land in the middle rounds, an inkling as to when the team could look to address this need.
Another area of need figures to be at safety, as the organization is expected to let Jaylinn Hawkinstest the free agent waters, although a return should not be ruled out. Wolf also elaborated on what the Patriots seek out of the position in Indy.
“First thing you have to look at is, you know, communication is so underrated at that position, I think maybe a lot of fans don’t understand that being able to communicate, set the defense, that’s something that we talked to the coaching staffs in college about and just making sure that anyone that comes in has to be able to communicate and be smart,” he stated. “But on the field, it’s, it’s the athleticism, it’s the change of direction, it’s the speed and range, the anticipation that these guys play with, are very important traits that we look for.”
One player who fits that bill is USC safety Kamari Ramsey. With a relatively loaded safety class, Ramsey could slide into the early-to-mid stages of the draft but possesses starter-caliber traits. New England also met with cornerback Avery Smith of Toldeo, a converted quarterback-turned-cornerback who is still a bit raw but has flashed sticky man coverage ability and could be viewed as an excellent mid-round value.
One last item of interest revolves around special teams coordinator Jeremy Springer, who was instrumental in the selections of Miami kicker Andy Borregales and Vanderbilt long snapper Julian Ashby a year ago. During his time at Marshall as special teams coordinator, Springer recruited Syracuse punter Jack Stonehouseout of high school. One of the premier punter prospects in this year’s draft, Stonehouse discussed his liking for Springer during his podium interview.
“I really like Jeremy Springer,” Stonehouse said. “He actually recruited me in high school. Good guy, I knew everywhere I went, I was going to be most likely a walk-on and at that point, the situation just kind of happened. He’s a cool dude. He’s very energetic. He loves what he does, and that was the draw that I had towards him.”
More than most franchises, New England places a premium on special teams, so it wouldn’t be surprising to see them pull the trigger on a punter such as Stonehouse in the late rounds of the draft. Now onto some of the top standouts from the week that was in Indy ….
DEFENSIVE TACKLES
The defensive tackle group was the first to partake in combine testing, as they set the tone early for what would be one of the fastest combine meets of all-time. In fact, seven-of-the-fourteen participants who opted to run clocked in under 4.90, led by undersized Penn State defensive tackle Zane Durant, who timed 4.75 (with 1.68 ten-yard split). At 6-foot-1 and 290 pounds, Durant falls short in the height and length departments but compensates with inane athleticism. Traditional scouts may remove Durant from their board altogether, but his get-off, burst, and bend should land him in the early Day 3 mix for a team looking to add an explosive rotational cog.
One of the more polarizing players in attendance last week was mammoth defensive tackle Caleb Banks of Florida. A run-gobbling monster in the middle, Banks measured in at 6-foot-6 and 327 pounds. He was a man amongst boys at the Senior Bowl in January, after appearing in just three games during the 2025 campaign due to a broken foot sustained early in the season. Banks turned some heads with an impressive 40-yard mark of 5.04, while leaping 32” in the vertical jump. His durability remains a concern for NFL teams, but his play has NFL scouts thinking he could have a similar two-down impact, such as Denver Broncos rookie Deone Walker.
The combine can help boost a player’s draft stock, and that is exactly what DaMonte Capehart of Clemson arrived in Indy intending to do. A five-star recruit out of high school, Capehart had a somewhat underwhelming collegiate career, starting just 12 games in five seasons. However, he flashed glimpses of his great potential during his time with the Tigers, and he reminded talent evaluators of the ability he possesses in Indianapolis. The 6-foot-5, 313-pounder ran an impressive 4.83 forty-yard dash, along with a 33.5” vertical jump, showcasing his tremendous athleticism. After his combine performance, there are sure to be plenty of NFL coaches who believe that they can ‘coach him up,’ which could move Capehart from the late Day 3 range into the mid-round equation.
Flying under the radar is small school standout Kaleb Proctor of Southeastern Louisiana. Not as large and in charge as some of his fellow draft classmates, Proctor brings a quick, explosive get-off and sly hand combat attack in the trenches. At 6-foot-2 and 291 pounds, he blazed a 4.79 forty-yard dash, adding a 33” vertical jump for good measure. One couldn’t help but notice the overwhelming amount of one-on-one battles he won during the week of East-West Shrine Bowl practice last month. He carried that momentum over to Indy and could be a surprise top 100 overall selection come April.
Top 10 Defensive Tackles (Post-Combine Rankings)
Lee Hunter, Texas Tech
Peter Woods, Clemson
Kayden McDonald, Ohio State
Caleb Banks, Florida
Christen Miller, Georgia
Darrell Jackson Jr., Florida State
Domonique Orange, Iowa State
Gracen Halton, Oklahoma
Zane Durant, Penn State
Rayshaun Benny, Michigan
EDGE RUSHERS
The race to the top at the edge position was in full gear in Indy, as several notable prospects stated their case to be the first one chosen. Much of the early discussion throughout the week focused on the alarmingly short arm length of Miami menace Reuben Bain, who measured in just under 31 inches in that department. Considered the most dominant player in college football this past season, NFL decision-makers must now weigh the risk/reward proposition that comes with selecting an enormously talented player with physical limitations, which no man has ever succeeded with in the NFL. It is sure to be one of the more fascinating storylines leading up to the draft.
In terms of being a pure pass-rusher, David Baileyof Texas Tech made a strong statement at the combine and could be in play as a top-five overall selection. The 6-foot-4, 251-pound edge prospect registered an eye-gouging 4.50 40-yard dash (1.62 10-yard split), with a 35” vertical jump, a testament to his explosiveness. He measured in bigger than scouts anticipated, squashing any pre-misconceptions that he may be undersized. Coming off a career year in which he tallied 14.5 sacks, Bailey should provide immediate help for any NFL franchise that wants to get after the quarterback more.
Also vying for a spot in the first round is Clemson phenomenon TJ Parker, who possesses ideal size at 6-foot-4 and 263 pounds. His 4.68 forty-yard dash (1.61 ten-yard split) and 34” vertical jump made for a marvelous display. His long arms and upper body strength bode well for his transition to the next level, as Parker brings both production and pedigree during his time with the Tigers. Entering the year, Parker was deemed the consensus top edge rusher among NFL scouts, and while his final year saw a dip in production, it was often due to the amount of double teams he received, an area that he will need to show he can overcome as he transitions to the next level.
While Bain drew the most scrutiny surrounding his lack of arm length, several notable prospects measured in well below the prototype threshold. Players such as R Mason Thomas of Oklahoma (31.5”), Keyon Crawford of Auburn (31”), Cashius Howell of Texas A&M (30 2/8”) and Caden Curryof Ohio State (30”) will now force NFL scouts to circle back to the film to see how they fit and if they can sustain living on the edge at the next level.
Top 10 Edge Rushers (Post-Combine Rankings)
Rueben Bain Jr., Miami
David Bailey, Texas Tech
TJ Parker, Clemson
Akheem Mesidor, Miami
Keldric Faulk, Auburn
Zion Young, Missouri
R Mason Thomas, Oklahoma
Dani Dennis-Sutton, Penn State
Cashius Howell, Texas A&M
LT Overton,Alabama
LINEBACKERS
One might say that Ohio State linebackers Arvell Reese and Sonny Stylesstole the show in Lucas Oil Stadium, with a pair of electrifying performances for the ages. The Buckeyes' backers seemed to try to outdo each other in athletic drills, recording rare testing numbers that left scouts picking up their jaws from the ground. While both members were featured exclusively as off-ball linebackers, each one was utilized in situational pass-rush roles during their time in Columbus, something that NFL teams could be eyeing as they transition to the pro level.
For Reese, who was considered one of the few ‘blue-chip' prospects entering the event, he lived up to the top-billing and then some. At 6-foot-4 and 261 pounds, Reese ran a remarkable 4.46 40-yard dash (1.58 10-yard split) and showcased his fluid movement skills during positional work. With few flaws in his overall game, Reese has placed himself amongst the elite in this year’s crop. Not to be outdone, Styles matched his 4.46 forty (1.56 ten-yard split) and was a full participant, registering an unbelievable 43.5” vertical jump and 11-2 broad jump. At 6-foot-5 and 244 pounds, he also brings vast size, joining Reese as a potential top 10 overall selection.
The star-studded linebacker class of 2026 screams of high-impact depth, including multiple players who are viewed as projected starters at the next level. College stars such as Jacob Rodriguez of Texas Tech, Kyle Louis of Pittsburgh, Anthony Hill Jr. of Texas and CJ Allenof Georgia could all be considered Day 1 talents. However, with the league having ‘devalued’ the off-ball linebacker position in recent drafts, it will be interesting to see if teams decide to wait, or pounce on the wealth of talent. There is sure to be excellent value well into the second day of the draft and possibly beyond.
Top 10 Linebackers (Post-Combine Rankings)
Sonny Styles, Ohio State
Arvell Reese, Ohio State
Jacob Rodriguez, Texas Tech
Anthony Hill Jr., Texas
Kyle Louis, Pittsburgh
CJ Allen, Georgia
Harold Perkins, LSU
Jake Golday, Cincinnati
Josiah Trotter, Missouri
Xavian Sorey, Arkansas
DEFENSIVE BACKS
The need for speed was evident for both the cornerbacks and safeties in attendance at the combine. A further breakdown reveals just how fast, as fifteen-of-the-twenty cornerbacks who ran, timed sub-4.50 or better in the forty-yard dash, while eight-of-the-fourteen safeties clocked in at 4.41, or faster! However, it should be noted that none of the upper-echelon cornerbacks participated, including Mansoor Delane of LSU, Avieon Terrell of Clemson, Brandon Cisse of South Carolina and Jermod McCoyof Tennessee, all of whom project as first-round picks.
For McCoy specifically, the decision to opt out of the combine was met with a raised eyebrow amongst NFL decision-makers. After sustaining a torn ACL during training in January, McCoy sat out the entire 2025 campaign, despite being medically cleared by team doctors for the final few weeks of the regular season. The 2024 All-American also declined an invite to the Senior Bowl last month, and despite stating that he was medically cleared for physical activities during his podium interview, McCoy once again decided to sit this one out, calling into question his competitiveness. NFL teams will now have to wait until his pro day in March to see him workout and McCoy will have gone a full 631 days until his last game action when the NFL kicks off in mid-September. This could make front office personnel departments a bit queasy in their overall assessment.
A couple of mid-round cornerback prospects managed to boost their stock with solid combine performances, including Toriano Pride Jr., of Missouri, who topped all corners with a 4.32 40 mark and Daylen Everette of Georgia, who was not far behind at 4.38. One small-school name to file for the memory bank once we get into the middle rounds of the draft is Charles Demmingsof Stephen F. Austin. One of just six FCS players invited to Indy, Demmings proved the step up in competition is not too big for him to handle, as he turned in an impressive showing at the Senior Bowl and followed it up with an excellent performance at the combine, displaying fluid hips and crisp change of direction.
Upon departing Indianapolis, NFL teams should have come away thoroughly impressed with what is shaping up to be a stout safety class. All-American Oregon safety Dillon Thienemanalready had an impressive film resume, and his combine workout all but confirmed what a rare specimen he is. At 6-foot tall and weighing 201 pounds, the Ducks' thumper timed in at 4.35 in the forty (1.52 ten-yard split), with a 41” vertical jump and 10-5 broad jump. With 302 total tackles over the past three seasons, Thieneman has a true nose for the football and is quick to shoot the gap. Expect him to hear his name called somewhere late on Day 1 of the draft.
Other safeties who garnered attention included Robert Spears-Jennings of Oklahoma, who displayed his athletic prowess with a 4.32 forty-yard dash and 42.5” vertical jump, and Lorenzo Styles Jr. (the brother of Sonny Styles), who blazed a 4.27 forty and brings additional value on special teams as a dynamic return man. Meanwhile, scouts will need to decipher such players as Treydan Stukes of Arizona, who timed 4.33 at 6-foot-1, 190 pounds and Tacario Davis,who measured a lengthy 6-foot-4, while timing 4.42 in the forty. Both prospects have extensive experience at cornerback, but could be asked to switch to safety in the pros.
The medical aspect of the combine is viewed as the most important element of the event by NFL teams. Unfortunately for Ohio State safety Caleb Downs, considered by many analysts the best pure talent in this year’s draft, was caught up in the midst of conflicting online media reports surrounding what was labeled as ‘degenerative knees.’ The news could have somewhat dampened the enthusiasm surrounding his draft status, but multiple sources have since confirmed that there are no issues regarding his health amongst NFL teams. Still, with safety already being another ‘devalued’ position that NFL teams are reluctant to use high-round picks on, where Downs ultimately lands come April remains one of the biggest mysteries of the draft.
Top 10 Defensive Backs (Post-Combine Rankings)
Caleb Downs, Ohio State
Mansoor Delane, LSU
Avieon Terrell, Clemson
Jermod McCoy, Tennessee
Brandon Cisse, South Carolina
Chris Johnson, San Diego State
Dillon Thieneman, Oregon
Treydan Stukes, Arizona
Emmanuel McNeil-Warren, Toledo
D’Angelo Ponds, Indiana
*A certified NFL draftnik, Ric Serritella has been covering the NFL Draft for 24 seasons. Follow him @NFLDraftBible.
