Ever since their disappointing 2020 season came to an end the New England Patriots have tried to bolster their defensive front seven. They invested considerable resources in their interior defensive line, and also brought in some high-profile players to improve the edge: New England added both Matthew Judon and ex-Patriot Kyle Van Noy as unrestricted free agents, and on the second day of the draft brought another intriguing player in.
That player is Ronnie Perkins out of the University of Oklahoma. Despite already having Judon, Van Noy and returning edge defenders Chase Winovich and Josh Uche under contract, New England decided to invest the 96th overall selection in the third round in Perkins — a player that did not just play some impressive football during his time as a Sooner, but one that also has shown physical durability along the way.