2011 NFL Draft: Could Aldon Smith Help New England Patriots' Pass Rush?

As reported earlier this week, Missouri's dynamic pass-rushing outside linebacker/defensive end Aldon Smith is set to have a private workout with the New England Patriots. 

Many Patriots fans have been crying for a pass rusher ever since defensive end Richard Seymour was traded to Oakland. Well, I've got good news for you guys, this draft is loaded, and I mean loaded, with pass rushers. 

Smith, who's projected to go anywhere from 15th overall all the way to the early first round, will definitely be available for New England at one of their three picks (17th, 28th and 33rd). 

However, if Smith is selected, will he pan out to be the pass rusher that some scouts are making him out to be? Will he be effective in New England's 3-4 defense? 

Strengths

Considered to be one of the draft's premiere pass rushers, Smith has a lot to bring to the table—for instance, his athleticism.

Smith stands in at 6'4" and weighs 263 lbs. and is extremely athletic and quick for someone his size. At the NFL combine, Smith impressed scouts with his 4.70 forty-yard dash time, and completed 20 reputations for the bench press. 

While being a great pass rusher, he uses his strength and quickness off of the ball to overwhelm blockers. 

One key note about Smith is that he missed only three games in 2010 after fracturing his fibula. Toughness is something that Bill Belichick looks for and Smith brings that along with his amazing skill set. 

Weaknesses

Right off of the bat, Smith played defensive end in Missouri's 4-3 defense—New England runs a 3-4.

Some scouts have been speculating that Smith can play both positions in New England's 3-4, and possibly play what former Patriot-great pass rusher Willie McGinest played: the "elephant" position. 

It's amazing how Smith is such a great pass rusher because when you watch him play, he literally has no other moves other than bull-rushing the opposing blocker. He will need to develop more techniques to succeed at the next level.

Conclusion

I'd strongly advise Belichick to stay clear of Smith at pick No. 17, but wait around until 28th and 33rd for the guy. 

Also, I want to remind all of the fans who are demanding a pass rusher that New England doesn't need a pure pass rusher. They need an every-down linebacker or defensive end that can contribute to the pass rush and all the other intangibles on defense. 

Smith is a stellar athlete with a nice large frame with great speed and strength. The only knock on him, from a New England prospective, is that he lined up in a 4-3 in college.

NOTE: This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net.

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