"Several under-the-radar players have established themselves as major contributors to New England's defense this season. K'Lavon Chaisson, Khyiris Tonga, Jack Gibbens, and Jaylinn Hawkins were all low-level starters or backups before this season, but under Vrabel and Zak Kuhr's tutelage, they've become major pieces to the unit's success. The draft is likely to be a time in which New England deploys rich resources to further improve their defense, but several rotational pieces could be had should the Krafts be willing to shell out the cash."
"He may not have fit the bill for the type of edge rusher Vrabel preferred going into the season, but seeing the impact Anfernee Jennings has had in the latter half of the year, there's a chance he may change his tune. Epenesa's size (6-foot-6, 260 pounds) combined with his nose for the football (2 interceptions), could make him a hot commodity on the open market. Despite his ability to run force, he's struggled to generate pressure this year."
New England enters the offseason with DC Terrell Williams cancer-free and expected to return, preserving experienced defensive leadership. Several previously low-level starters — K'Lavon Chaisson, Khyiris Tonga, Jack Gibbens, and Jaylinn Hawkins — have become major contributors under Vrabel and Zak Kuhr. The team is positioned to use the draft and free-agent spending to bolster the defense, although ownership willingness to pay will influence targets. The Patriots may prioritize at least one offensive veteran while selectively adding defensive pieces to complement Milton Williams. Edge defender A.J. Epenesa is a possible target, valued for run defense and size despite limited pass-rush production.
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