The New England Patriots traded away a fifth-round pick to get Michael Bennett and ESPN NFL Analyst Matt Bowen thinks that he could be one of the most underrated moves of the offseason. Bennett can rush from the edge, but he also can play inside and that is key in a Bill Belichick defense that relies on guys who can play multiple positions.
The Patriots let DE Trey Flowers walk in free agency, but don't discount the impact Bennett can have in Bill Belichick's defense. With the ability to play on the edge or bump down inside, the Patriots can maximize Bennett's pass-rush traits in multiple fronts and personnel packages.
Bennett hasn't been afraid to speak his mind and he wasn't shy to tell everyone how excited he is to join the Patriots. At times he didn't seem happy in Philadelphia and he seems pleased to be in Foxborough. The one thing Bennett said he is most excited for is just how accountable the Patriots hold eachother.
“I think it’s accountability,” Bennett said Monday on Fox Sports 1’s “First Things First. via Patriotwire” “I think when a team is accountable to each other and care about each other, I think it just makes the organization a lot better. I think when you have a coach who has a clear and concise message each and every day, I think it makes the team come together and they have a lot of morale. I think Bill Belichick does a great job of being honest. Doug Pederson does a great job of being honest. Pete Carroll, too. So when you have that, everyone can follow suit.
As long as Bennett holds himself accountable and he can have a big year, this is going to be one of the best moves of the offseason.