The New England Patriots' defense has certainly been a strong unit this season, ranking eighth in yards allowed and sixth in points allowed. However, if there is one clearly weak area of the defense, it's the pass rush.

The Patriots have amassed a grand total of 25 sacks in 2025, with Harold Landry and K'Lavon Chaisson both leading the way with 6.5 sacks apiece.

Otherwise, New England has had some difficulty getting to opposing quarterbacks, so this is a need that the Pats should certainly address during the offseason.

Jaime Eisner of The Draft Network recently published a mock draft, and with the 32nd overall pick, he has the Patriots attempting to repair their pass-rushing issue, linking them to Texas A&M star Cashius Howell.

"The New England Patriots need more disruptors against opponents' passing attacks," Eisner wrote. "Cashius Howell’s arm length will be a major pre-draft talking point, but you can’t deny his production. He’s explosive off the snap, plays with a hot motor, and has proven he can produce from multiple alignments."

Howell leads the SEC with 11.5 sacks this season to go along with 26 tackles, 13 tackles for loss and six passes defended.

The 6-foot-2, 250-pound edge rusher began his collegiate career at Bowling Green in 2021 and spent three seasons there before transferring to Texas A&M in 2024.

Howell began showing major signs of progress during his final year at Bowling Green, when he racked up 28 tackles, 10.5 tackles for loss and 9.5 sacks, leading the MAC in the latter category.

The 22-year-old's debut campaign with the Aggies was definitely solid, as he registered 40 tackles, 8.5 tackles for loss, four sacks, an interceptions and seven passes defended, but he has really blossomed into a destructive force in 2025.

New England added Landry, Chaisson and Milton Williams in free agency to try and bolster a pass rush that was the worst in football a year ago, and while it has shown some signs of progress this season, it's still obviously not where it needs to be.

Even after last spring's spending spree, the Pats are still slated to have a wealth of cap room this coming offseason, so they can also make another move for a pass rusher in free agency in addition to potentially nabbing Howell.