10 edge fits for the Patriots in the NFL Draft

Patriots NFL Draft fits at linebacker

Harold Perkins (LSU): It was an interesting collegiate career for Perkins as he bounced between edge rusher, overhang defender, and off-ball linebacker throughout his three healthy seasons (torn ACL in 2024). His exceptional athleticism allowed him to be productive each year recording 13 turnovers and 35.5 TFL. Perkins has plenty of tools but will need to find and settle into a role in the NFL. | Consensus ranking: 130

Bryce Boettcher (Oregon): A former safety and baseball centerfielder, who was drafted by the Houston Astros, Boettcher expectedly has plenty of range to fly to the football. He’s slightly undersized but shows no fear in any part of the field and tallied over 230 combined tackles the last two seasons. Boettcher was also a four-core special teams player and was a favorite of Oregon’s coaching staff. | Consensus ranking: 141

Kalen Elarms-Orr (TCU): An explosive athlete who can drop into zones and hold up in man coverage, Elarms-Orr did not become a full-time off-ball linebacker until 2023. That inexperience shows at times when it comes to his instincts and anticipation, but his athletic ability and highly touted character leave considerable developmental upside while he plays a big role in the kicking game as a rookie. | Consensus ranking: 142

Taurean York (Texas A&M): A shorter build (5’10, 226) doesn’t stop York from bringing it in the run game and as a blitzer from the second-level. The size can hurt him at times, but York has impressive play speed and instincts which often finds him around the football — although is more of a zone defender than man-to-man. | Consensus ranking: 143

Jimmy Rolder (Michigan): On a talented Wolverine defense, it’s hard to miss Rolder patrolling the second-level. He too is undersized but always seems to be in the right spot due to his awareness and instincts. He had just one year of starting experience as he battled injuries early in his career, but proved to be a reliable tackler with strong pursuit in the run game. | Consensus ranking: 161

Aiden Fisher (Indiana): The green-dot wearer for Indiana’s National Championship squad was the leader of the defense and a First Team All-American each of the last two seasons. Fisher is a bit undersized but has good instincts, can drop in zone coverage, blitz from the second level, and always is able to find the football (323 tackles in three years as a starter). He just has a feel for the position that coaches will love. | Consensus ranking: 165

Justin Jefferson (Alabama): An undersized linebacker at 6-foot, 223 pounds, Jefferson became a full-time starter for the Tide last season after beginning his collegiate career at Pearl River Community College (2021-22). The jump in competition showed at times, but Jefferson took steps forward as a starter behind his incredible athletic profile. He’ll be a four-core special teamer with plenty of upside defensively to continue to tap into. | Consensus ranking: 205

In addition to those players, Jacob Rodriguez (Texas Tech), C.J. Allen (Georgia), Anthony Hill Kr. (Texas), and Jake Golday (Cincinnati) project as early-round players. Other depth options include Keyshaun Elliott (Arizona State), Red Murdock (Buffalo), Lander Barton (Utah), and Khalil Jacobs (Missouri).