The New England Patriots are prioritizing edge rusher positions in their pre-draft meetings, hosting Florida's George Gumbs Jr. and meeting with Duke's Wesley Williams. The team aims to strengthen their edge defense after recent player losses.
The New England Patriots continue to make edge rusher a priority in their pre-draft meetings.
According to ESPN's Mike Reiss, the team is expected to host Florida edge defender George Gumbs Jr. for a visit, while Duke's Wesley Williams revealed to Sports Illustrated's Justin Melo that he had a Zoom meeting with the Patriots.
Williams recorded 44 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, and two sacks in his final year at Duke. He was an Honorable Mention All-ACC selection. Gumbs had 31 total tackles, 6.5 tackles for loss, and 2.5 sacks last season. His season was cut short two weeks due to a meniscus injury in his right knee that required surgery.
The Patriots clearly need an influx of young talent on the edge after losing K'Lavon Chaisson in free agency and cutting Anfernee Jennings. They currently have Dre'Mont Jones and Harold Landry III as their top options on the edge with little depth behind them.
It's also important to note that Landry turns 30 years old in June, and he spent most of the 2025 season banged up, despite leading the team with 8.5 sacks.
If anything, the extra homework on edge rushers speaks to a clear priority for the Patriots ahead of the 2026 NFL Draft. There is a serious gap there at that position, and less than two weeks from now might be the team's best chance at fixing it.
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This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Recent visits proof Patriots eyeing one draft position in particular
The Patriots are considering Florida's George Gumbs Jr. and Duke's Wesley Williams as potential edge rusher picks in the upcoming draft.
Wesley Williams recorded 44 total tackles, nine tackles for loss, and two sacks in his final year at Duke.
The Patriots need to focus on edge rushers due to the loss of K'Lavon Chaisson in free agency and the release of Anfernee Jennings, leaving them with limited depth at the position.
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