Patriots draft Alabama DL Christian Barmore after trading three picks to move up

Roll Pats.

After drafting quarterback Mac Jones in the first round Thursday night, the Patriots trade up to select Alabama defensive tackle Christian Barmore on Friday. The Pats traded their second-rounder at No. 46, plus two fourth-rounders to move up to 38th overall, where they grabbed Barmore. The No. 1 defensive tackle in this year’s class was viewed as a first-round talent for most of the draft process.

Over his only season as a starter, Barmore emerged as one of the best D-lineman in the country last year. He totaled eight sacks and three forced fumbles, with six sacks coming over his final six contests. Barmore was named MVP of the Crimson Tide’s national champpionship win over Ohio State, his final collegiate game.

According to Pro Football Focus, Barmore totaled a dozen pressures between Alabama’s wins in the title game and national semifinal, while facing two of the best offensive lines in the country.

Evaluators describe Barmore as an explosive interior pass rusher who’s versatile enough to play across the defensive line at 6-foot-4 and 310 pounds. He’s active in the run game and carries real upside. Questions about Barmore’s game pertained to inexperience, consistency and occasional freelancing.

Barmore projects as a rotational player as a rookie, who should see most of his snaps in passing situations and could develop quickly into a three-down lineman. He joins Lawrence Guy, Deatrich Wise, Davon Godchaux, Henry Anderson, Byron Cowart, Carl Davis, Montravius Adams, Bill Murray, Nick Thurman and Akeem Spence and Nick Thurman on the Pats’ defensive line depth chart.

The Patriots aren’t expected to pick again until the third round at 96th overall.

from Boston Herald https://ift.tt/333XBv7