A.J. Epenesa, DE, Iowa
He’s what you’d expect from an Iowa player. He may not be the most athletic player, but he’s tough and hard-working with good fundamentals. That led to 22 sacks over the last two seasons. And that’s what’s likely to lead to a lot of sacks in the NFL, too.
Zach Baun, OLB, Wisconsin
He draws comparisons to linebacker Kyle Van Noy, which quickly illustrates the natural fit Baun would be in New England. Baun is an impressive edge prospect with the versatility to do just about everything Bill Belichick asks of an outside linebacker: coverage, run defense and pass-rushing. He’s just scratching his potential after a season when he had 19.5 tackles for loss, 12.5 sacks and 76 total tackles.
Yetur Gross-Matos, DE, Penn State
Gross-Matos is a high potential prospect, who the Patriots would invest deeply in developing into an impressive pass-rushing 4-3 defensive end. Schematically, he may not be a fit, considering New England ran a 3-4 last year. But Belichick is scheme-flexible and he asks that his players are the same. If Belichick drafted Gross-Matos, the Patriots coach would surely find a way to get production.
Ross Bladlock, DT, TCU
This would be an interesting test for Belichick. On one hand, Bladlock does well penetrating the backfield by busting through gaps. On the other hand, the defensive tackle doesn’t eat space well when he’s forced to take on blockers. Lawrence Guy, probably Belichick’s favorite defensive tackle currently on the Patriots, is just the opposite. Would Belichick want someone different than Guy? Than Bladlock is the guy.