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Patriots Predicted To Add 27-Sack 'Pass-Rushing Menace' In Draft originally appeared on NESN. Add NESN as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The New England Patriots are facing a significant decision in the coming days regarding how they will manage their pass rushers.
New England may decide to part ways with pass rusher Harold Landry III, and it’s also possible that fellow pass rusher K'Lavon Chaisson could leave in free agency.
The Patriots are likely to be active in the veteran free agent pass-rushing market, but they may also consider adding a young pass rusher to develop during the 2026 NFL Draft. ESPN's Jordan Reid has a particular player in mind for this purpose.
Reid released a mock draft on Tuesday, featuring the Patriots selecting Texas A&M pass rusher Cashius Howell with the 31st pick.
"Linebacker K'Lavon Chaisson is scheduled to become a free agent, but the Patriots still need help off the edge regardless of whether he returns," Reid wrote. "Leading sacker Harold Landry III (8.5 sacks) missed two games because of injury last season and will turn 30 before the upcoming campaign. Howell is a pass-rushing menace who tends to be a disruptive presence. He has an advanced repertoire of pass-rushing moves, and his 11.5 sacks last season ranked seventh among all FBS defensive linemen."
Howell played five seasons of college football, starting with three at Bowling Green before transferring to Texas A&M for his final two years. Over the course of 56 games, he recorded 35.5 tackles for loss and 27 sacks.
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