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In my positional breakdown of the New England Patriots, I ranked the team’s units from worst to first as we head into training camp. The Patriots have enjoyed solid, but not spectacular production at the defensive end position with veterans Chandler Jones and Rob Ninkovich entrenched as starters. However, in the offseason, New England really prioritized adding talent and depth at the position during free agency and the draft, and for that reason the defensive end unit ranks third.
The Patriots currently have seven defensive ends on their roster as training camp nears. Ninkovich and Jones are penciled in as the starters, but Jabaal Sheard, a free agent signing from the Cleveland Browns, will provide the team with three top options at end and one of the better rotations in the NFL. I expect the Patriots to keep five or six defensive ends, and Zach Moore (second year) will challenge rookies Geneo Grissom, Trey Flowers and Xzavier Dickson for the final two or three spots on the roster.
Jones and Ninkovich have been a productive duo for the Pats. Ninkovich, 6-foot-2, 260 pounds, is a cerebral player with limited length and explosiveness. However, he consistently makes big plays at crucial moments, and I’d expect that to continue as he enters his 10th season. Ninkovich has missed just one game in his last six seasons and is one of the most consistent players in the league, registering eight sacks in each of his last three seasons.
Jones was drafted No. 21 overall in 2012 and has flashed the elite skill set that the Patriots were hoping to get out of the Syracuse University star. Jones just needs to play at a high level on a more consistent basis. He is disruptive during stretches and then is relatively ineffective for entire games or long stretches of contests. Jones, 6-foot-5, 265 pounds, has a great wingspan but just average initial burst off the snap and adequate power. That means he can’t rely on just athletic ability to win on a consistent basis. If he is to become a dominant disruptive force off the edge and one of the better defensive ends in the game, he must improve his technique and add some pass-rush moves to his repertoire. Jones also needs to remain healthy, as he has missed eight games during his first three seasons.
The Patriots coveted Sheard during the 2011 draft, and made him a priority target during this offseason. Although just 6-foot-3, 264 pounds, Sheard is a very physical end with impressive strength in his lower body that allows him to anchor and hold the edge. He got off to a great start in Cleveland, posting 15.5 sacks and 110 total tackles in his first two seasons. But as his role changed, Sheard’s production dropped precipitously, and he managed a mere 7.5 sacks and 80 tackles over he past two seasons.
I think Sheard could become one of the best acquisitions of this offseason. He provides the Pats with depth and versatility. His main position is defensive end, but like many Patriots, he will be used in several roles. Expect to see Sheard play on the edge as an end, on the outside as an outside linebacker when the Pats morph into a 3-4 scheme and as a defensive tackle during sub-rush situations.
Moore could be the best overall athlete the Patriots have at defensive end. He has ideal size (6-foot-6, 275 pounds) and top-level athleticism. If he can refine his skills and become better technically, he could become a very productive player. His raw ability and huge upside give Moore a good chance at sticking for another season in New England.
The remaining three players are all rookies and have nearly-identical measurables and skill sets. Grissom (6-foot-3, 262 pounds), Flowers (6-foot-2, 266 pounds) and Dickson (6-foot-3, 260 pounds) have shown the ability to be all-around defensive ends. They can set the edge to hold up in the run game as well as get after the passer. They all will have a chance to earn roster spots, and if not, they could possibly find a position on the practice squad.
The Patriots have to be excited about the defensive end position. They have three proven veterans and plenty of young talent. If Moore and the rookies can develop, the Pats should have strength at the position for the foreseeable future.
Other Positional Breakdowns
10. Cornerback
9. Defensive Tackle
8. Safety
7. Offensive Line
6. Running Back
5. Wide Receiver
4. Quarterback
Nick Sardina is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Nick on Twitter @nicksardina13, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
