The New England Patriots’ offseason media coverage has been heavily skewed towards offense, where everyone wants to know what the Patriots will do to give some support to franchise quarterback, Drake Maye.

Despite this, the majority of the team’s free agency moves over the past month have been focused on defense, where the team bought in a whopping eight players who have a good chance of playing an important role this upcoming season.

However, with a new coaching staff lead by new head coach Mike Vrabel, sometimes the most exciting players are the ones that were already on the roster.

And this seems to be the case in New England, as Mike Smith, the team’s new outside linebackers coach, had some effusive praise for third year edge rusher and former second round pick, Keion White.

Patriots OLB coach Mike Smith, whose best friend is Wes Welker (going back to their freshman year at Texas Tech), says he is excited to work with Keion White.

“Meaner than a rattlesnake,” Smith says, adding that he has a history of coaching bigger rushers like White (6-5, 285) pic.twitter.com/vvNmyHWufK — Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) April 4, 2025 “Meaner than a rattlesnake” does not say everything about the prospects of the former Georgia Tech standout, but it certainly bodes well for White – who is looking to take the next step after showing improvement in year two.

New England Patriots defensive end Keion White © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images © Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images In the Patriots’ old 3-4/4-3 hybrid scheme, White was used both as a defensive end and outside linebacker, which given his tweener size, 6’5″, 285 lbs, makes sense.

But with the opportunity now to be a full time outside linebacker, now that highly paid free agent acquisition, Milton Williams will likely take over the 3-4 DE position, White can solely concentrate his efforts at OLB.

And if his trajectory remains positive, the Pats could well have an fearsome duo off the edge in Pro Bowler, Harold Landry III, and White.