2011 NFL Draft: Patriots Don't Need a Pass Rusher, Jermaine Cunningham Will Do

The New England Patriots may have had one of the most scrutinized drafts in quite sometime. Bill Belichick and New England's draft team failed to select a pass rushing defensive end and/or outside linebacker in the 2011 NFL draft. 

When you take a look at the 2011 draft class, you'll notice that it was loaded with pass rushers. Players like Cameron Jordan, J.J. Watt, Robert Quinn, Da'Quan Bowers, Brooks Reed, Jabaal Sheard, and Cameron Heyward were all avaiable when during at least one of New England's top three draft choices. 

However, the Patriots selected offensive tackle Nate Solder, cornerback Ras-I Dowling and traded away their 28th overall pick for New Orleans' 2012 first-round selection. 

New England didn't necessarily avoid the "media-proclaimed" weakness of a pass rusher, they did select Markell Carter, a defensive end out of Central Arkansas. 

As the 2011 draft was loaded with not only pass rushers, but it was loaded defensively, the Patriots failed to bring in any top tier defensive prospects besides Dowling. 

Could it be that Belichick and New England's front office is confident enough the players they already have? I sure hope so. 

New England spent their 2010 53rd overall pick on defensive end / outside linebacker Jermaine Cunningham out of Florida. 

When Cunningham entered the draft in 2010, he was described as a pure pass rusher coming off of the edge by most draft experts. However, in Cunningham's rookie season, he was productive, but not on a pass rushing standpoint. Cunningham played in 15 games for New England and tallied up 35 tackles but only one lone sack. 

That lone sack definitely raises a few question marks regarding Cunningham's ability to get to the quarterback—but you got to realize he's only 23 years old and still developing. 

Don't give up the Patriots draft class quite yet, they may not have even needed a pass rusher. 

New England will welcome back defensive end Ty Warren and defensive linemen Mike Wright back from injury next season—which both players are relatively decent pass rushers. Throw in Cunningham's development and progression, the Patriots may just end up having a quality pass rushing team.

If I had to sum New England's pass rush in a few words: "It all depends on the development of Jermaine Cunningham."

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