New England Patriots outside linebackers coach Mike Smith had high praise for third-year defensive end Keion White, calling him a perfect fit for the type of pass rushers he likes to develop. Smith, who joined the Patriots as part of new head coach Mike Vrabel’s revamped staff, is tasked with reviving a pass rush that struggled last season.
“I’m really excited about Keion,” Smith told reporters. “If you look at the kind of guys I’ve worked with—Rashan Gary, Za’Darius Smith, Tamba Hali, Justin Houston, Danielle Hunter—they’re all big, athletic rushers. That’s what I like, and Keion fits that mold.”
Smith added that White plays with intensity and focus, saying, “You can tell football matters to him. He’s serious—and meaner than a rattlesnake.”
White started the 2024 season strong, notching 2.5 sacks in a surprise Week 1 win over Joe Burrow and the Bengals, but his breakout campaign never fully materialized. He finished the year with 56 tackles, five sacks, and two forced fumbles.
Despite that, White’s athletic potential remains undeniable. With guidance from Smith and the new coaching staff, he could be poised to take the next big step in 2025.
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