Roster: K’Lavon Chaisson, Truman Jones, Harold Landry III, Elijah Ponder, Bradyn Swinson, Keion White
Analysis:
Few position groups on the Patriots' roster underwent as much transformation this offseason as the edge defenders. With the arrival of veterans Harold Landry III and K’Lavon Chaisson, and the continued development of Keion White, this unit is poised to be a focal point of Mike Vrabel's defensive scheme. Add in a pair of athletic rookies and a sleeper candidate in Truman Jones, and there will be plenty of opportunity for growth and emergence.
Landry reunites with Vrabel after six productive seasons in Tennessee, including a 2024 campaign where he racked up nine sacks and 42 solo tackles. His ability to set the edge and win with speed or power makes him a foundational piece. Chaisson, signed to a one-year deal, is coming off a career-best season with the Raiders, matching his previous four-year sack total in just one campaign (five). His burst and versatility should make him a key contributor on passing downs.
White, now entering his third season, is the wild card. After posting five sacks and two forced fumbles in 2024, he's on the cusp of a breakout. His physicality and motor fit well in the new aggressive front, and the scheme shift could unlock even more production. If White takes the next step and can find ways to be as disruptive off the edge as he's been inside, the Patriots could have a trio of edge rushers capable of consistently pressuring quarterbacks.
Behind the veterans, rookies Bradyn Swinson and Elijah Ponder bring intriguing traits. Swinson, a fifth-round pick out of LSU, played in 55 college games and tallied 13.5 sacks. His length and explosiveness make him a candidate for early third-down reps. Ponder, signed as an undrafted free agent, was a force at Cal Poly, logging 26.5 sacks and 167 tackles over 47 games. His production and athleticism suggest developmental upside, and he'll have a chance to carve out a role if he adjusts quickly to NFL speed.
Truman Jones is a second-year player promoted from the practice squad late last season. He appeared in one game and recorded two solo tackles, but his size and athletic profile make him a sleeper to watch.
This is a position group with a clear top tier, but the depth chart is far from settled. Landry, White, and Chaisson form a strong core, but the rookies and Jones will have every chance to earn rotational snaps. If even one of them emerges, the Patriots defense could reach a new level.
Training camp will reveal whether this remade group can live up to its potential. But on paper, the pieces are in place for a relentless, high-motor front that can change games with pressure.
DISCLAIMER: The views and thoughts expressed in this article are those of the writer and don't necessarily reflect those of the organization. Read Full Disclaimer
