Patriots defender has 'taken that step forward' heading into second season

The Patriots had the seventh-best defense in total yards allowed per game (301.6) last season and expect to be even better in 2024 thanks to the emergence of one of their second-year defenders.

Head coach Jerod Mayo named edge rusher Keion White when asked which player has surprised him so far, calling him a budding team leader.

"Keion has kind of taken that step forward as far as being a leader," Mayo said, via Mike Reiss of ESPN. "Not as much vocally, but you see him actually leading the groups and working well."

White, New England's second-round pick (No. 46) in 2023, was primarily a backup during his rookie season, starting only four games and playing a little less than half of the team's defensive snaps (45.8%).

As a result, he registered just 26 tackles (12 solo), one sack and three passes defensed. However, with an increased role, there is reason for the Patriots' optimism.

During White's final season at Georgia Tech, he amassed 54 tackles (29 solo), 7.5 sacks and one pass defensed. If he can have that production, or even better, in his second season, he'll be more than worth his second-round selection.

The Patriots have needed an influx of young talent. White could prove to be among the nucleus of players to be just that, but he must first battle with veteran edge rushers Matthew Judon, Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings.

Judon seems to be a lock as one of New England's starting edge rushers as long as he can stay healthy. The 31-year-old sacked opposing quarterbacks 28 times from 2021-22 before injuries hampered his 2023 season.

Uche and Jennings, on the other hand, combined for just 4.5 sacks a year ago. If White can make the jump many expect he will, he could become one of the Patriots' young leaders and best defenders in short time.