The New England Patriots got to the Super Bowl last season without having a dominant pass rusher, something that really cost them in the Super Bowl when Eli Manning managed to step up in the pocket and deliver crucial throws to win football games for them.
So mock drafts have the Patriots looking for a pass rusher in the first round of the 2012 NFL Draft. Ryan Van Bibber of SB Nation has his latest mock, and he files this report that has New England taking Nick Perry of the USC Trojans.
New England was already short a pass rusher before losing Mark Anderson to the Bills last week. Perry has the kind of raw talent that Bill Belichick can move around in his defense.
Getting a guy like Perry would be crucial for New England if he can develop into a dominant edge rusher. Perry does have tweener concerns, but at this point the Patriots need players they can rely on for regular contributions.
To discuss the thought of picking Perry with Patriots fans in the 2012 NFL Draft, head to Pats Pulpit. To talk about Perry with USC fans, hit up Conquest Chronicles. To learn more about mock drafts in general, hit up Mocking the Draft.
