The 2024 NFL Draft is rapidly approaching, and UCLA football is set to produce a first-round pick for the first time since 2018 when senior defensive lineman Laiatu Latu hears his name called Thursday night.
The Patriots re-signed Anfernee Jennings and Josh Uche in free agency this offseason, giving them some flexibility in the draft on the edge. But Deatrich Wise Jr. and Matthew Judon are getting up there in age, and there's no guarantee that Keion White, a second-round pick in 2023, can play a bigger role this season. The Patriots also retained Commanders 2021 seventh-round pick William Bradley-King. Ideally, the Patriots could find another edge defender in the draft who can help boost their pass rush with the upside to earn an every-down role.