The Felger & Mazz Big Board continued on Tuesday. This time the guys threw for defensive linemen – defensive tackles and defensive ends.
Heading into the draft, the defensive line projects as one of the Patriots’ stronger positional groups. However, a number of players up front are entering contract years including Christian Barmore, Davon Godchaux, Deatrich Wise, and Daniel Ekuale.
—Mock Draft Mailbag 3.0
—Matt Dolloff’s final Patriots mock draft
—2024 NFL Draft positional preview: Safeties
Along those lines, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the Patriots add a defensive lineman or two in the draft. That would most likely come in the later rounds, as the Patriots have time to develop players given the talent on the roster in 2024.
Do any of the linemen picked by the Felger & Mazz Big Board fit that description? Here’s who I see as the best fits…
DT T’Vondre Sweat, Texas
Oct 7, 2023; Dallas, Texas, USA; Texas Longhorns defensive lineman T’Vondre Sweat (93) in action during the game between the Texas Longhorns and the Oklahoma Sooners at the Cotton Bowl. Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
At 6-foot-4, 366 pounds T’Vondre Sweat plays like an old-school nose tackle. His play strength and power make him impossible to single block, so while he may not fill up the stat sheet he’ll occupy blockers allowing more opportunities for rusher around him. He’s also more athletic than is expected of a player his size, and while he’ll never be a plus pass rusher also won’t look entirely out of place with occasional pass-rush snaps.
However, there are some questions about Sweat’s focus off the field. He was arrested for a DWI in Texas last week, which will certainly impact the way some teams look at him heading into the draft.
DL Brandon Dorlus, Oregon
Sep 9, 2023; Lubbock, Texas, USA; Oregon Ducks defensive end Brandon Dorlus (3) reacts at the end of the game after an interception of the Texas Tech Red Raiders at Jones AT&T Stadium and Cody Campbell Field. Credit: Michael C. Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
At 6-foot-3, 283 pounds Dorlus has the skill, strength, and quickness to play both defensive tackle and end, especially in the Patriots’ 3-4 system. His biggest issue right now is consistency – his numbers aren’t as impressive as his tape would suggest. That could leave teams viewing him as more of a project player.
For a Patriots team that has most of its starting defensive linemen entering contract years, a player like Dorlus could be a fit. He’d provide depth for now, and then potentially develop into a starter down the road. However he’s a projected Day 2 pick, and given their other needs they may not be looking for a defensive lineman in his range.
