One of the biggest needs for the New England Patriots this offseason is speed on the defensive side of the ball.
Jerod Mayo, who calls defensive plays, said it best at the end of last season.
“You always want to get faster, especially in today’s game. That’s at all spots, not only at linebacker or defensive line or in the backend,” Mayo said. “You always want to get faster, but what we covet here is just versatility and smarts, football intelligence. Those are things you definitely want to have on your team.
“Now, we have some guys who were new to the system last year which I expect going forward they’ll have a better understanding of that. Also through the draft and through free agency we’ll definitely look to get faster, look to get more explosive, and look to put more playmakers on the field.”
The Patriots re-signed Ja’Whaun Bentley — but, don’t have Dont’a Hightower, Jamie Collins and Kyle Van Noy (released) around at the moment. Linebacker was a specifically slow position and the Patriots started adding speed by trading for Mack Wilson.
New England will likely look to the draft to add speed and director of player personnel Matt Groh harped on that idea.
"We're looking to get faster everywhere. It's not just defense…" – Matt Groh when asked about Jerod Mayo's comments saying the #Patriots needed more team speed defensively. Groh says one way to increase overall defense speed is to play players in other spots (i.e. safety as LB)
— Mike Giardi (@MikeGiardi) April 15, 2022
Matt Groh Live Pre-Draft Press Conference 4/15: https://t.co/5Eqe49ZQzK
— New England Patriots (@Patriots) April 15, 2022
One of the best options to add speed in the middle level is to draft Georgia’s Nakobe Dean if he’s available.
