FOXBOROUGH – Patriots outside linebacker coach Mike Smith has seen his position group change slightly this season.
Last week, the Patriots traded away veteran edge rusher Keion White. Heading into the NFL trade deadline, it was reported that the team was interested in adding a veteran edge rusher, but Tuesday passed without the Patriots making another move.
Smith has liked his position group this season and said on Thursday that he’s happy to continue the season with the group in place. With White in San Francisco, the depth looks set with starters Harold Landry and K’Lavon Chaisson to go with backups Anfernee Jennings and Elijah Ponder.
“I like it. We’ve got a mix of young guys and older guys,” Smith said. “I think Harold and KC are playing well. I think there are things we can get better on. I like where Ponder is, and I like the things that Ant can bring in as well. Ant’s got a specific skill based with his power and setting things off with his power. I love the way he sets the edge with the run. It’s just a good mixture of guys. They’ve been here with me since we got here.”
Smith noted that adding another player at this time of year also comes with some complications. A new addition means the players need to learn the Patriots defensive system.
For Smith, that means learning how they pass rush and set the edge in the run game. He said once a player learns his rules, the coaching staff feels comfortable with playing them.
The Patriots were rumored to be in the edge rusher market. The big trade that happened in this position on Tuesday was Miami sending edge rusher Jaelan Phillips to Philadelphia for a 2026 third-round pick.
Landry (5.5 sacks) and Chaisson (5.5 sacks) lead Smith’s group this season. At the start of the year, White was the top backup, but with him gone, Jennings is the top player behind the two starters.
“It creates a lot of opportunities with Keion leaving,” Smith said. “I wish him nothing but the best. He’s got a hell of a d-line coach over there with Kris Kocurek. We played together in college. I told him he’s going to have another country kid coaching him. It opens the door. Anytime somebody’s leaving, it opens the door for Ponder and Ant, and all those guys, (Bradyn) Swinson. But it’s big. It’s more reps and more opportunities.”
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