The New England Patriots finished last season as a top 10 run defense, allowing just 104.3 yards per game on the ground. But opting not to retain Vince Wilfork as the anchor of this defensive line (and losing cornerbacks Darrelle Revis and Brandon Browner in free agency) will put a lot of stress on this defense. They need to improve up front not only to remain as solid run stoppers but also to compensate for their weakened pass defense. For this reason, Bill Belichick may be interested in Florida State defensive tackle Eddie Goldman once the NFL Draft rolls around.
"The defensive line isn't the same without Vince Wilfork," ESPN NFL Draft Insider Mel Kiper Jr. wrote in his Mock Draft 4.0. "The secondary isn't the same without Darrelle Revis. But while Revis is still in his prime and can't possibly be replaced in the short term via the draft, a player like Goldman has the opportunity to more closely replicate the kind of run-stuffing ability Wilfork gave Bill Belichick for so many years. He's not going to be winning with quickness and chasing quarterbacks around, but Goldman can eat up blocks and hold the point and help the Patriots keep opposing offenses from assuming they can line up and overpower the Patriots in the run game. He's also a really good value at this point."
The Patriots have been linked to fellow defensive tackle Carl Davis and cornerback Byron Jones with the last pick in the first round. Both players would be good additions. But Goldman has more than 15 pounds on Davis. While neither is a pass-rushing force, Goldman may be just a bit more of a playmaker.
Even if the Patriots are interested in any of these players, fans never know what Belichick is going to do in the draft. He is known as a serial board move, constantly trading up and down. Who knows if the Patriots will even pick at No. 32?
The NFL Draft will kick off on April 30.
