Defensive Tackles for Patriots to Consider



Pro Football Talk reports today that veteran defensive lineman C.J. Mosley has been released from the Jaguars. Early in the offseason, PatriotsLife assessed the needs of New England and just below the help needed in the secondary sat the need of a valid pass-rush. The truth is, even without a truly great secondary a team can rank high on defense based on how much and how quickly you can apply pressure on the quarterback.

C.J. Mosley has been in the league for nine seasons and could add depth to the defensive tackle position. 6’2, 310 pound Mosley could add another run-stopping big body to the defensive line, next to Wilfork. Mosley recorded 2.5 sacks in 2012 and 45 combined tackles. He also forced one fumble and recovered three fumbles. Throughout his career he’s recorded 11.5 sacks, which in nine years is not too effective. I’m not putting a run stopper at the top of my list at the moment, but the fact is they could use a bit more depth and competition at the position.


Earlier this week, it was also reported by Jason La Canfora that veteran defensive lineman Tommy Kelly was released by the Raiders on Wednesday. In just one more year of service than Mosley, Kelly has recorded 34.5 sacks. With this guy, we are talking about someone that is a much more legit pass rusher than Mosley. 2011 was by far his best season recording 7.5 sacks, forcing two fumbles and also intercepting a pass. In 2012, Kelly was in on 46 tackles, but other numbers went down significantly.

Both players are defensive tackles and, if I could choose, I would take Tommy Kelly just on the fact that he gets to the quarterback more consistently than Mosley. As of now, there have been no rumblings of the Patriots being in on either of these two players, but it’s a need of theirs for certain. The Patriots may decide to draft, but don’t be surprised if they bring in one, or both for a workout.

Josh Brown
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