New England Patriots outside linebackers coach Mike Smith had a great description of third-year defensive end Keion White.
Smith came to New England as part of the overhauled coaching staff under newly-hired head coach Mike Vrabel. He'll be looking to improve the pass rush for a team that underachieved last season.
"I am really excited about Keion. I think if you look at the history of the guys I have coached, they are bigger rushers," Smith told reporters. "You think of [Rashan Gary], and the [Za'Darius Smith], and the [Tamba Hali], and Justin Houston and Danielle Hunter. I like big rushers.
"I like big, athletic rushers, and I think [White] fits that mold. ...Love the way he plays. You can tell football means something to him when you talk to him. He's a serious guy, man, and meaner than a rattlesnake."
Patriots OLB coach Mike Smith on the potential of Keion White:
— Patriots on CLNS Media (@PatriotsCLNS) April 4, 2025
"I am really excited about about Keion ... Love the way he plays. You can tell football means something to him when you talk to him. He's a serious guy. Meaner than a rattlesnake."
-#Patriots#NFL (H/T @tkyles39) pic.twitter.com/LKYK4wdO1t
White looked like he was on the verge of a breakout season in 2024 with 2.5 sacks in an upset win over quarterback Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 1. However, things never took off the way the team hoped.
All told, the Georgia Tech product tallied 56 tackles, five sacks and two forced fumbles on the season.
White has tremendous athleticism, and he has flashed the ability to be disruptive along the defensive front. Working with Smith and the new staff could finally unlock that next gear of untapped talent within him.
Follow Patriots Wire on Twitter and Facebook.
This article originally appeared on Patriots Wire: Patriots OLB coach fired up to work with breakout candidate defender
