NFL experts weigh in on Patriots drafting Keion White in second round

The New England Patriots are making an effort to bolster an already good defense early in the 2023 NFL Draft.

After taking Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez with the No. 17 pick in the first round Thursday night, the Patriots bolstered their pass rush by selecting Georgia Tech defensive end Keion White with the No. 46 overall pick (second round).

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White tallied 54 tackles and 7.5 sacks for Georgia Tech last season.

The Patriots should have a fearsome pass rush in 2023 and beyond with White, Matthew Judon, Josh Uche and others in the fold.

Here's a roundup of expert analysis and reaction to the Patriots selecting White in Round 2.

"Can do what Wise does*..."
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) April 29, 2023

Doesn't hit the OT or WR need the Patriots still have. But at a premium position, White is a pretty rare size/speed talent. Sense a trend?

Again... to the @MathBomb RAS figures we go...

White was a 9.92 out of 10.0.

One of the most impressive physical specimens at his position https://t.co/RFDQjEXkUC
— Phil Perry (@PhilAPerry) April 29, 2023

From a source on new #Patriots DE Keion White: Physical, tough defensive end with some flexibility to move inside.
— Doug Kyed (@DougKyed) April 29, 2023

Love this for NE.

They didn’t trade up as expected but still land Keion White, who’s got flexibility to play inside and outside along the defensive line. Could see him being a DE in this 3-4 defense, which is a position they could use a little youth and talent at.
— Khari Thompson (@kdthompson5) April 29, 2023

With the 46th pick, the Patriots are drafting edge rusher Keion White from Georgia Tech

White was my top fit for the Patriots at edge rusher in this draft. With Josh Uche in a contract year, the Patriots add to their pass rush pic.twitter.com/Pysc3WvUsP
— Mark Daniels (@ByMarkDaniels) April 29, 2023

The #Patriots select EDGE Keion White with the 46th overall pick. White is a versatile OLB/DE who can rush from multiple alignments. Strong, long with powerful hands. Pats type of guy.

Here are my notes from the draft guide. pic.twitter.com/dti4E9b6eo
— Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) April 29, 2023

The @Patriots select Keion White with the 46th pick!

He was @movethesticks' 28th overall rated prospect. pic.twitter.com/3jJ5fg2wDe
— NFL Network (@nflnetwork) April 29, 2023

The Patriots are going after **athletes** in this draft. Christian Gonzalez and Keion White both had Relative Athletic Scores above 9.9.

Was also a clear priority for them in last year's draft. pic.twitter.com/2KuheMV6ds
— Zack Cox (@ZackCoxNESN) April 29, 2023

White reminds me of Deatrich Wise but more explosive and twitchy. Great fit as a nine technique defensive end over the tight end in a 40 and 30 front. @Patriots
— New England Football Journal ® 🏈 (@newftbj) April 29, 2023

Todd McShay points out on ABC that Keion White's projected role in New England should be very similar to what he was asked to do at Georgia Tech
— Alex Barth (@RealAlexBarth) April 29, 2023

Big thing with White is his 34" arms. Key for keeping separation and shedding blocks. Also at 6'5" 285 lbs he can move around that defensive front and not be overwhelmed. Truly a good player.
— Adam Bogdan (@PatriotsInform) April 29, 2023

NFL experts weigh in on Patriots drafting Keion White in Round 2

By Nick Goss • Published April 28, 2023 • Updated on April 29, 2023 at 9:30 am

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