The New England Patriots Are Looking To Improve On Their 21st Ranked Defense, From Last Season.
My series covering every NFL team continues with this article taking a look at the New England Patriots buys. I will be identifying players that I would consider adding ahead of the 2019 season. Also included will be my recommendations on what it might take to acquire these players.
Deatrich Wise, Defensive End:
Deatrich Wise, 24, was a fourth round pick, by New England in the 2017 NFL Draft. Over the first two years of his career Wise totaled 31 solo tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 35 quarterback hits, and nine and a half sacks. He did this over 32 games played and eight starts. With Trey Flowers now in Detroit, the Patriots have an open spot along their defensive line, and I think Wise is the perfect player to fill that void. I believe Deatrich will be a solid defensive end three in dynasty leagues, now that he's projected to start all 16 games. He is a great buy low going into 2019.
Fantasy Recommendation:
He should be available on your wavier wire and someone that I'm targeting as a solid add to my roster.
Honorable Mention:Â Michael Bennett, Defensive End.
Elandon Roberts, Linebacker:
Elandon Roberts, 25, is going into his fourth season with the Patriots and looking to improve on a down 2018 season. Last season, Roberts had 31 solo tackles, six tackles for loss, two quarterback hits, and one sack. He did this over 16 games played and 11 starts. In 2018, Elandon finished as linebacker 81 in MFL scoring which is good enough for linebacker four production. I think if he can stay healthy and play a full 16 games, he has a great chance to improve on last seasons finish. I see Roberts as an linebacker three going into this season.
Fantasy Recommendation:
I think there is little chance he's available on the wire, so I think you could get him for a mid to late round pick.
Honorable Mention:Â Dont'a Hightower, Linebacker.
Stephon Gilmore, Cornerback:
Stephon Gilmore, 28, is going into his third season with the Patriots. During his time in Foxborough, he's been very consistent with his production and has only missed three games. Last season Gilmore ended with 40 solo tackles, one tackle for loss, one quarterback hit, and one sack. That was his first career sack, which is amazing given the amount of games he's played in. His 2018 production was good enough for 42nd among cornerbacks, in MFL scoring, which is cornerback four in dynasty. I think quarterbacks will still throw his way, next season, making him a great buy low, given his potential production.
Fantasy Recommendation:
I see Gilmore with the potential to finish in the cornerback three group for next season. He shouldn't cost you more then a late round pick to acquire, if he's not available on the wire.
Honorable Mention: Obi Melifonwu, Safety.
Conclusion
As you can see the Patriots are hoping to improve their overall defense for 2019. I think that can be done if these players take a step forward and improve their production. I believe this unit will be better then last season. Ranking these buy-lows in order of priority, it would be Stephon Gilmore, Elandon Roberts, and Deatrich Wise. Hopefully, you find these recommendations helpful in your quest to build that championship roster for 2019. Please keep an eye out for the New Orleans Saints.
