The New England Patriots could be looking for pass rushers in the NFL Draft after recording just 35 regular-season sacks last season. Could they target University of Miami defensive lineman Akheem Mesidor?
Mesidor has a connection to the Patriots via Patriots personnel executive Alonzo Highsmith. Highsmith was the Miami Hurricanes' General Manager of Football Operations when Mesidor transferred to the university. MassLive's Mark Daniels noted the Patriots connection and tabbed Mesidor as a potential draft target because of it.
"A talented edge rusher, Mesidor is an older prospect who’ll turn 25 next month," wrote Daniels. "He has solid size at 6-foot-3, 259 pounds and plays with a high motor. Mesidor was very productive in college, making 12.5 sacks and forcing four fumbles last season. He earned All-ACC first-team honors. Mesidor met with the Patriots at the Combine."
He has already met with the team, and at least one person in the building has experience with him. On top of that, he produced last season on a team that played in the National Championship.
The Patriots lost K'Lavon Chaisson in free agency and signed Dre-Mont Jones to help replace him. They had similar numbers last season, so the pass rush still needs an upgrade.
Even though Mike Vrabel does not think the team should draft for need, they need a pass rusher who can impact games consistently. Mesidor could end up being that player.
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