Generating more pressure from the edges of their defensive line is a priority for the 2025 New England Patriots, but the solution may not come from a $43.5 million new arrival, nor an incumbent breakout candidate. Instead, the Pats could have a 6-foot-3 “sleeper” to thank for reviving what was the worst pass rush in the NFL last season.
The sleeper in question is Truman Jones, “a second-year player promoted from the practice squad late last season,” according to Patriots.com Writer Mike Dussault. He noted Jones “appeared in one game and recorded two solo tackles, but his size and athletic profile make him a sleeper to watch.”
That athletic profile concerns Jones being a 255-pounder with positional flexibility. He can attack protection as a standup rusher or put his hand in the dirt like a traditional defensive end.
The versatility is intriguing, but expecting a player who’s spent time on the practice squads of the Pats and Kansas City Chiefs to boost New England’s mediocre sack tally may be too big of an ask.
It’s fortunate then, Jones is far from the only under-the-radar edge defender who might transform a pass rush that mustered a league-low 28 sacks in 2024.
Truman Jones Among Handful of Patriots Sleeper Edge-Rushers
Perhaps Jones can get his chance to impress in an extended role, but he won’t be the only unheralded outside pass-rusher vying for extra reps this season. Dussault also referenced two rookies, including Elijah Ponder, “signed as an undrafted free agent, was a force at Cal Poly, logging 26.5 sacks and 167 tackles over 47 games. His production and athleticism suggest developmental upside, and he’ll have a chance to carve out a role if he adjusts quickly to NFL speed.”
Patriots head coach Mike Vrabel and defensive coordinator Terrell Williams will find Ponder’s rich history of production tough to ignore. They are also likely to be impressed by the player’s outstanding numbers at his pro day, per Cal Poly Football (h/t analyst Ryan Fowler).
6023, 251 lbs 40: 4.57 V: 41”👀 Broad: 11’👀 4.20 SS, 7.0 3C
151 pressures (25 sacks), 103 hurries in four seasons. Attended Shrine back in Jan.
(🎥 via @calpolyfootball)
Vrabel and Williams are also sure to give this year’s fifth-round draft pick Bradyn Swinson every opportunity to play his way into the rotation. Former LSU stud Swinson has already been touted as one to watch by one of the architects of the Pats’ first three Super Bowl titles.
It’s high praise for a late-round pick, but Swinson “played in 55 college games and tallied 13.5 sacks. His length and explosiveness make him a candidate for early third-down reps,” per Dussault.
Swinson was considered “underrated” during the draft by Brian Hines of SB Nation’s Pats Pulpit, who cited an impressive “60 pressures ranked sixth in the FBS behind a 22.1% pass rush win rate (13th).”
His 60 pressures ranked sixth in the FBS behind a 22.1% pass rush win rate (13th). Love the value in Round 5.
All three of Swinson, Ponder and Jones possess the ‘tweener qualities to fit the multiple-front defense Vrabel is planning. He’ll put the most effective pass-rushers onto the field, but if the Patriots need their hidden gems to take the lead, it will mean the apparently marquee names atop the depth chart aren’t delivering.
Patriots Counting on Big Names to Produce
Vrabel spent a fortune to reunite with one of his favorite edge-rushers from his days in charge of the Tennessee Titans. The problem is that high-priced newcomer is already tipped to be a bust.
It’s a nightmare scenario for the Patriots, especially if an annual breakout candidate also fails to produce. Setbacks like these would leave New England’s defensive staff scrambling for solutions.
Some of those solutions may be found in the depths of the roster, but if not, an underachieving defense won’t get any better. Not without putting significantly greater heat on the pocket and making life more uncomfortable for quarterbacks.
6-Foot-3 ‘Sleeper’ Can Solve Patriots Biggest Problem