A continuing series looking at how the Patriots could fill need positions through the NFL Draft, April 25 to 27.

Trey Flowers is not the kind of player who can be replaced with just one person. Even after the Patriots traded for Pro Bowler Michael Bennett, it still makes sense to add to this defensive end position, now that Flowers has signed with Detroit.

Bennett turns 34 this season, but is under contract for the next two years. He gives the Patriots a good [...]

A continuing series looking at how the Patriots could fill need positions through the NFL Draft, April 25 to 27.

Trey Flowers is not the kind of player who can be replaced with just one person. Even after the Patriots traded for Pro Bowler Michael Bennett, it still makes sense to add to this defensive end position, now that Flowers has signed with Detroit.

Bennett turns 34 this season, but is under contract for the next two years. He gives the Patriots a good pass-rushing presence. After Bennett, the Patriots have some question marks.

Deatrich Wise has shown promise, but still needs to put it all together. Derek Rivers has barely played after being selected in the third round two years ago. John Simon looked solid in a minimal role last year. Then there’s Keionta Davis and Umfomba Kamalu.

The Patriots have one known commodity with Bennett, but there’s too much unknown with the rest of the group. Two years ago, the Patriots drafted Rivers and Wise in the third and fourth round. It was similar in 2015 when the Patriots drafted Geneo Grissom and Flowers back-to-back in the third and fourth round.

They hit with Flowers and it remains to be seen if Wise and/or Rivers can step up in his absence. If they can, it would help in a big way. However, the Patriots should probably think about adding another young piece to the defense. As it turns out, this year’s draft is said to be loaded with edge rushers and defensive lineman.

The Patriots currently hold 12 draft picks, in every round except the fifth. Here’s a look at some candidates:

First round: Zach Allen, Boston College

Allen is a 6-4, 281-pound defensive lineman, who stands out against the run, but he added 6.5 sacks last season. He earned second-team All-ACC honors as he also led B.C. with 15 tackles for loss to go with seven pass breakups. Allen also blocked two kicks on special teams. He met with the Patriots at the Senior Bowl, had an informal meeting at the Combine and the Pats were at his Pro Day.

Second round: Anthony Nelson, Iowa

Nelson has fantastic size and length at 6-7, 271 pounds. He finished second in the Big Ten in sacks with 9.5 to go along with 45 tackles, 13.5 for loss. He earned Second-Team All-Big Ten honors. Nelson also earned Iowa’s Team Hustle Award and earned academic honors for the third straight season. Nelson met with the Patriots at the Senior Bowl and the Pats were at his Pro Day.

Third round: Kingsley Keke, Texas A&M

Kingsley is a 6-3, 288-pounder who has some versatility. He played inside for Texas A&M, but profiles as someone who will play on the edge. Keke finished with seven sacks to go with 51 tackles and 11 for loss last season. He also blocked two kicks. Kingsley had a private work out and visit with the Patriots, who were also at his Pro Day.

Fourth round: John Cominsky, Charleston

Cominsky is a 6-5, 286-pound prospect from Charleston, a Division II college in West Virginia. He was the Mountain East Defensive Player of the Year last season after making 67 tackles, 16.5 for loss, three sacks and two forced fumbles. Cominsky is a solid athlete and a former high school quarterback. Cominsky met with the Patriots at the Senior Bowl.

Sixth round: Maxx Crosby, Eastern Washington

Crosby is one of the best fits, athletically, in this draft at defensive end. He was extremely productive at Eastern Washington, finishing his career with 20 sacks and 41 tackles for loss. Crosby finished with 7.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, four pass breakups and 19 tackles for loss last year. He has good size at 6-5, 255 pounds. He met with the Patriots informally at the Combine.

Seventh round: Porter Gustin, USC

Gustin matches most athletic traits the Patriots look for in a defensive end (40 time, vertical, bench and broad jump). He stands 6-4 and weighs 255 pounds. Injuries have set him back after a promising start at USC where he played as a true freshman. He missed half of last season with a broken ankle, but still led the Trojans with seven sacks.