2011 NFL Draft Results: What Happened to New England Drafting Pass Rushers?

Did anyone ever imagine that the New England Patriots, led by Bill Belichick, were going to draft two running backs and a quarterback with their top choices in the 2011 NFL draft and completely ignore a pass rusher? 

Entering the draft, many speculated, including myself, that the Patriots must add a pass rusher—New England has an inability to get off the field on third downs and cannot put pressure on the quarterback. All in all, they needed a pass rusher.

In a draft class that is filled with pass rushing defensive ends and linebackers, Belichick and New England's draft team has yet to draft one.

Following the conclusion of the third round, Belichick held a press conference and addressed questions regarding the Patriots not drafting a pass rusher at any means: 

"We have some young players on our roster and I think that those players – in all the various positions, not just at that specifically – but I think younger players will still continue to develop," Belichick said.

I really hope that Belichick has made the right decision, because last season, those "younger guys" weren't even a factor in the team's embarrassing playoff loss against the New York Jets—not one sack was recorded in New England's favor during that game.

Apparently, Belichick and the team's coaching staff believes that Jermaine Cunningham, Brandon Deaderick, Rob Ninkovich and Eric Moore are going to cut it as the team's pass rushers—I disagree 100 percent.

New England had a chance to grab premiere pass rushers in Cameron Jordan, Da'Quan Bowers, Dontay Moch and Brooks Reed just to name a few—they passed on every single one of them.

In a draft that is loaded defensively, the Patriots decided to play away from the draft class' strength by selecting two running backs, a quarterback, cornerback, and an offensive tackle.

I'm not saying I hate New England's draft class so far, as it's filled with players with much upside, but I definitely don't love it.

This article was first seen at PatriotsPlus.net. Be sure to follow Tony Santorsa on Twitter @            TonySantorsa.