The Patriots didn’t waste much time getting involved on the second night of the NFL Draft. After trading up to the 38th pick, the team selected Alabama defensive lineman Christian Barmore.
In order to move up, the Patriots traded the 46th pick, as well as a pair of fourth-round selections (122, 139). According to the Bill Belichick draft trade chart, New England gave away 169 points worth of picks, and received 157 points back. Keep in mind it’s not uncommon for teams to slightly overpay to trade up.
Barmore certainly fits the mold of a player worth trading up for. Originally projected as a late-first-round pick, he ended up being the first defensive tackle off the board as the entire position saw a slide.
At 6-foot-5, 311 pounds, Barmore isn’t built like a traditional nose tackle but still knows how to wreak havoc in the middle of the defensive line. In 11 games last year for Alabama he recorded eight sacks and 9.5 tackles for a loss. He was also able to use his length to bat down three passes.
With his explosive first step and excellent technique, Barmore is set up to succeed in the NFL. The question is how will the Patriots use him to maximize his skillset. He’s a bit undersized for a traditional 3-4 nose tackle, although his natural ability could be enough to compensate. They could try him inside, or move him to 3-4 end. While he develops his overall game, expect to see him as a pass-rush specialist, in a similar role to the one Adam Butler played last year.
This pick continues what has been a complete overhaul of the Patriots’ front seven this offseason. He joins free agent signings Davon Godchaux, Henry Anderson, and Montravius Adams up front. The team also re-signed Deatrich Wise and Lawrence Guy. That depth should allow the Patriots to be patient with Barmore as he develops, but also provides the opportunity for quite the rotation once he’s ready.
Bill Belichick has now doubled down on Alabama, after selecting Crimson Tide QB Mac Jones in the first round last night. Barmore is now the fifth player Nick Saban’s Alabama program on the Patriots’ roster, joining Jones, Dont’a Hightower, Damien Harris, and Anfernee Jennings.
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Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.