Rookie Year Analysis of Third Pick for the New England Patriots

The 2024 NFL Draft marked a pivotal moment for the New England Patriots, who held the third overall pick—their highest selection in over a decade. With that pick, the Patriots chose defensive end Malik Washington, a 6-foot-4, 265-pound pass-rusher from the University of Texas who had dominated college football with 14 sacks and 22 tackles for loss in his final season. For a Patriots defense that had struggled to generate consistent pressure in 2023, Washington was seen as a potential franchise cornerstone—a player who could revitalize the pass rush and align with Bill Belichick’s vision of physical, disciplined defense. Now, as Washington’s rookie season nears its end, it’s time to evaluate his performance: Did he meet expectations? What challenges did he face? And how has he impacted the Patriots’ defense? Rookie Year Analysis of Third Pick for the New England Patriots dives into these questions, breaking down Washington’s strengths, areas for growth, and role in the Patriots’ future.

Rookie Year Analysis of Third Pick for the New England Patriots begins with a snapshot of Washington’s statistical performance and role in the Patriots’ defense. After a slow start—he played just 15 snaps in Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles—Washington gradually earned more playing time, eventually becoming a full-time starter by Week 6. Through 14 games, he has recorded 5.5 sacks, 38 total tackles, 8 tackles for loss, and 12 quarterback pressures. While those numbers don’t match his college production, they place him among the top 10 rookies in sacks this season—and they’re even more impressive when considering the Patriots’ defensive scheme, which often uses him in multiple roles: standing up as an edge linebacker in passing downs, lining up as a defensive tackle in sub-packages, and setting the edge in run defense. “Malik has been a quick learner,” said Patriots defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington. “We didn’t throw him into the fire right away—we wanted him to adjust to the speed of the NFL first. But once he got comfortable, he started making plays. His 5.5 sacks are a good start, but what stands out is his consistency in run support—he’s only missed two tackles all season.” Washington’s best game came in Week 10 against the Indianapolis Colts, where he recorded 1.5 sacks, 4 tackles, and a forced fumble that led to a Patriots touchdown.

A key focus of Washington’s rookie year is the challenges he faced transitioning from college to the NFL—and how he overcame them. The biggest adjustment, Washington told reporters, was the complexity of the Patriots’ defense. “In college, I had a few go-to pass-rush moves, and I could rely on my athleticism to win,” he said. “Here, every play has a specific assignment, and quarterbacks get the ball out so much faster. I had to learn to read offenses on the fly and use technique instead of just speed.” Early in the season, opposing offensive tackles exploited this learning curve: Washington was held without a sack in his first three games, and he struggled to shed blocks against more experienced linemen like the Bills’ Dion Dawkins. To address this, the Patriots paired Washington with veteran defensive end Matthew Judon, who served as a mentor. Judon worked with Washington on pass-rush moves (like the spin move and the swim move) and film study, teaching him to identify offensive tackles’ weaknesses. “Malik has all the tools—size, speed, strength,” Judon said. “He just needed to learn how to use them in the NFL. Every week, he gets better, and that’s all you can ask from a rookie.” By Week 8, Washington’s hard work paid off: he recorded his first NFL sack against the Miami Dolphins, taking down Tua Tagovailoa with a well-timed swim move.

A critical aspect of Rookie Year Analysis of Third Pick for the New England Patriots is how Washington’s presence has elevated the entire Patriots’ defense—and what it means for the current New England Patriots team. Before Washington’s arrival, the Patriots’ pass rush was heavily reliant on Judon, who recorded 12.5 sacks in 2023 but often faced double teams. With Washington on the opposite edge, opposing offenses can no longer focus solely on Judon. This has freed up Judon to record 8 sacks this season, and it has also created opportunities for interior defensive linemen like Christian Covington, who has 3 sacks—his most since 2020. The Patriots’ defense has improved from 22nd in sacks in 2023 to 14th in 2024, and they’ve forced 18 turnovers (up from 14 last year)—a trend directly linked to Washington’s ability to pressure quarterbacks. “Malik has made our defense more dynamic,” said Belichick. “When you have two edge rushers who can win one-on-one, it changes everything. Offenses have to make choices, and those choices create gaps for other players. That’s the value of a high draft pick—they don’t just help themselves; they help the entire unit.” For the New England Patriots, Washington’s impact extends beyond statistics: he’s become a fan favorite at Gillette Stadium, with fans chanting “Malik!” whenever he makes a play, and he’s emerged as a leader in the locker room—often staying late to practice with younger defensive linemen like Keion White.

Another important angle of Rookie Year Analysis of Third Pick for the New England Patriots is the areas where Washington still needs to grow—and how the Patriots plan to develop him. While Washington has been solid in pass rushing and run support, he struggles in coverage—a key part of the Patriots’ defense, which often drops edge rushers into zone schemes. In Week 12 against the Buffalo Bills, Washington was targeted twice in coverage, allowing a 20-yard catch to tight end Dawson Knox. “Coverage is something we’re working on every day,” said Covington. “Malik is athletic enough to do it—he just needs more reps. In college, he rarely dropped into coverage, so it’s a new skill for him.” The Patriots have also noted that Washington needs to improve his stamina: he often tires in the fourth quarter, which is why he’s only played 65% of the defensive snaps this season. To address this, the Patriots’ strength and conditioning staff have adjusted his workout routine, focusing on endurance drills and recovery techniques. “I know I have to get better,” Washington said. “I’m not satisfied with just being a ‘good’ rookie—I want to be a great player. The Patriots have given me all the resources I need, so it’s on me to put in the work.” For the New England Patriots, these areas of growth are not red flags—they’re opportunities. Most rookies take time to master all aspects of an NFL position, and Washington’s willingness to improve has only reinforced the team’s confidence in him.

Wrapping up Rookie Year Analysis of Third Pick for the New England Patriots is the long-term outlook for Washington and his role in the Patriots’ future. As the Patriots look to rebuild their defense around young talent, Washington is poised to be a centerpiece. His contract runs through 2027 (with a fifth-year option), giving the Patriots four more seasons to develop him into an elite edge rusher. If he continues to improve at his current rate—adding 2-3 sacks per season and refining his coverage skills—he could join Judon as one of the best edge-rushing duos in the AFC. Belichick, who rarely praises rookies publicly, has hinted at Washington’s potential: “Malik has the work ethic and the talent to be a special player. He’s already made a difference in his first year, and I’m excited to see what he does next.” For the New England Patriots, drafting Washington was more than just a one-year move—it was an investment in the future. In a league where pass rushers are among the most valuable players, Washington gives the Patriots a foundation to build on. Rookie Year Analysis of Third Pick for the New England Patriots isn’t just a review of a single season—it’s a preview of what could be a franchise-defining career. Washington’s rookie year has been a success, but the best is still to come.