At the NFL Combine in Indianapolis this week, New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel and general manager Eliot Wolf openly recognized multiple team needs that must be addressed through free agency or the draft. Among key positions discussed—offensive tackle, edge rusher, tight end, wide receiver, and safety—the most pressing concern emerged as the pass rush. Rodney Harrison, a Patriots Hall of Famer and NBC Super Bowl analyst, unequivocally identified this as the top priority for New England.
Rodney Harrison Highlights the Critical Gap in Pass Rush Talent
Harrison emphasized the Patriots’ shortage of impact pass rushers compared to teams they faced on their road to the Super Bowl, such as the Chargers, Texans, Broncos, and Seahawks—all of whom boasted dominant edge defenders.
“I think the most glaring need is pass rush,”
Harrison stated.
“That’s something they have to get corrected. They need a stud pass rusher, a guy that’s going to be a difference maker.”
He noted that while coach Vrabel has made progress with players like K’Lavon Chaisson, the overall talent level falls short of what is required.
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The Texans, and all of those teams, they have difference makers on the team,”
Harrison said.
Mike (Vrabel) has done a really good job coaching these guys … Look how far K’Lavon Chaisson has come. But overall, the talent isn’t there. The Patriots need to level up in terms of talent. You have to go out and get difference makers. And it starts up front.
“
Strong Recommendation to Pursue Maxx Crosby Trade
Harrison advocated for the Patriots to aggressively pursue a trade for Maxx Crosby, the elite pass rusher currently with the Las Vegas Raiders. Despite Raiders GM John Spytek suggesting Crosby is unlikely to be traded, Harrison believes the Patriots should make a strong push if the price is right. He proposed a realistic offer that avoids overpaying but signals serious intent.
I’m not giving up two firsts for him, but I’d give up a first and a second for Crosby,
Harrison said.
I would work hard to try and get him in there. That’s the way you get to the promised land. Getting guys like him.
Alternative Path: Leveraging a Deep 2026 Edge Rusher Draft Class
If a trade for Crosby proves too costly, the Patriots may turn to the draft to address their pass rush needs. The 2026 draft is considered deep in edge rushers, with several prospects meeting the Patriots’ staff during the combine. Veterans like Chaisson, who recorded 7.5 sacks last season but is now a free agent seeking a significant contract, and Harold Landry, expected to return if healthy from knee issues, remain part of the team’s blend, but more impact players are needed.
Draft analyst Daniel Jeremiah praised this class, noting its rarity and depth.
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I think it’s really good and really deep,
”
he said.
“
There’s not a Myles Garrett in my opinion. There’s not a Nick Bosa. We’ve had other years where we’ve had guys carry bigger individual grades. But we have three legit Top 10 players in this draft and we’ve got depth. I think you can get depth all the way into the fourth round where you’ll see guys making an impact next year. So yeah, it’s a really good group.
”
Potential First-Round Edge Rusher Targets for New England
The Patriots pick 31st in the first round and have shown interest in Missouri’s Zion Young, Texas A&M’s Cashius Howell, and Miami’s Akheem Mesidor—all edge rushers highlighting the strength of this draft class. Eliot Wolf confirmed the focus on the position:
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I think this draft offers a lot of different depth at varying areas, edge being one of them,
”
he said.
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I think it’s a fairly deep class at that position that’s obviously an area of need for our team, so it matches up nicely.
”
Next Steps for the Patriots’ Pass Rush Strategy
With the Patriots’ weak pass rush an acknowledged vulnerability, an aggressive trade for Maxx Crosby represents a bold but potentially transformative move. If that does not materialize, the team’s focus will be on drafting edge rushers who can contribute immediately, as well as retaining productive veterans. Strengthening this area will be vital for New England’s hopes to return to championship form.
