With pick No. 96 overall (Round 3), which the Patriots received as a compensatory selection for losing Tom Brady last offseason, they selected defensive end Ronnie Perkins out of Oklahoma.
This was the Patriots' second and final pick on Day 2, as it added defensive tackle Christian Barmore in Round 2 after trading up to No. 38 overall.
Here are three quick thoughts on the pick.
-- Some believe Perkins should have gone a lot earlier in the draft. The Oklahoma defensive end is a solid pass rusher, totaling 16.5 sacks over his three years at the school. He can rush the passer well standing up or putting his hand in the ground. He was in NFL Media's Daniel Jeremiah's top 50 players overall.
-- It is worth pointing out he was suspended six games last season after a failed drug test prior to the College Football Playoff game in 2019. Due to the suspension, he had limited playing time this past season.
-- Like Barmore, this feels like Bill Belichick and Co. taking a player they are getting great value on because it doesn't feel like the defense needed to add another pass rusher. Perkins can fit in both a 4-3 and 3-4 scheme.
