Jake

Bequette

The Pats’ defensive line makeover continues. A high-motor player, Bequette relied more on strength and intelligence than elite athleticism to rack up big numbers at Arkansas. He played outside linebacker at the Senior Bowl, and could see time at both positions for the Patriots, as Bill Belichick has moved toward more malleable defensive fronts in recent seasons. Bequette’s selection paired with Chandler Jones’ means Andre Carter’s days in New England could be officially over.

Belichick has also praised Bequette’s arsenal of pass-rush moves, saying they are “better than some guys coming out of college, let’s put it that way.” Playing end, Bequette notched at least five sacks each of his final three seasons at Arkansas, including 10 as a senior. He saw time at outside linebacker at the Senior Bowl, but end should be his primary position as a rookie.

The high-motor former Arkansas star boasts the size to set the edge against the run as a 3-4 end to go with polished pass-rushing moves. Notching 10 sacks, Bequette showed improved lateral agility as a senior. It wouldn’t be a major surprise if he pushes for playing time before first-rounder Chandler Jones.

Bequette played just 29 snaps as a rookie, but he hasn’t completely fallen out of New England’s plans. With Ninkovich entering a contract year, it’s possible he could eventually work into a situational pass-rusher role. We still wouldn’t bet on Bequette carving out major playing time barring injuries.

Danny Woodhead (thumb) is active. There are no surprises for the Patriots, who placed Rob Gronkowski (forearm) on injured reserve Thursday, and dropped their usual injury report games with Aaron Hernandez, Wes Welker and Brandon Lloyd. Tom Brady and company are looking to advance to their sixth Super Bowl of the Bill Belichick era.

The Patriots came away with two more edge rushers in this weekend’s draft in Jamie Collins and Michael Buchanan, making it a crowded group in New England. Bequette, the No. 90 overall pick last year, played in just three games as a rookie, failing to register on the stat sheet. Cunningham notched just 2.5 sacks in 2012 and was suspended for four games.

Bequette, the 90th pick in the 2012 draft, has appeared in eight regular-season games through three years and was demoted to the practice squad full-time last season. With New England reloading its defensive line during the offseason, Bequette has to find another way to make the team. He remains a long-shot.

Everyone is rarely healthy, of course, but Bequette has played just 43 snaps in two seasons since being the 90th overall selection in the 2012 draft. ESPN Boston speculated earlier this offseason that Bequette could be groomed for a Rob Ninkovich-like role, but he’ll have to have a healthy and productive camp to nail down his roster spot.

It’s the second straight summer Bequette has failed to make the 53-man roster. Depending on the nature of his ailment, the No. 90 overall pick of the 2012 draft could eventually be released with an injury settlement.

The 90th overall selection in the 2012 draft, Bequette has only played 43 snaps over his two-year career. Both Bequette and Beauharnais are eligible for the practice squad.