Patriots Predicted To Draft 20-Sack Pass Rusher To Possibly Replace K'Lavon Chaisson originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
A significant trade took place in the NFL on Saturday night when the New York Giants sent their defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence II to the Cincinnati Bengals in exchange for the 10th overall pick.
The trade shouldn't have too much impact on the Patriots' draft plans, as they hold the 31st pick in the upcoming draft. However, Bleacher Report's Gary Davenport just published a new mock draft that has the Giants with two top-10 picks. In this scenario, New England is set to draft UCF pass rusher Malachi Lawrence with their first-round selection.
Lawrence played four seasons at UCF, appearing in 39 games and recording 28 tackles for loss and 20 sacks.
The Athletic's Dane Brugler ranked Lawrence as the seventh-best pass rusher in this class in his draft guide, "The Beast."
"Lawrence is a linear mover and lacks ideal bend, but he offers skill as a pass rusher, stack-shed toughness versus the run and the demeanor that will help him carve out a starting role at the next level. Despite being an older player, he still has upside," Brugler wrote on April 8.
If the Patriots decide to draft Lawrence, he could effectively replace pass rusher K'Lavon Chaisson, who signed with the Washington Commanders this offseason.
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