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Watts joined the Patriots on a one-year deal in March.

As opposed to the offense and special teams, the New England Patriots’ defense played winning football for much of the 2023 season. Even with injuries piling up, the unit allowed the club to be competitive in several games during its 4-13 season.

Heading into 2024 under a new head coach and defensive coordinator — former assistants Jerod Mayo and DeMarcus Covington were promoted to the respective positions — the unit again projects as a strength for the Patriots. But even so, there are areas of improvement the coaching staff has identified.

“Like [DeMarcus Covington] is saying, he wants to get more sacks. He wants to get the ball more,” said defensive lineman Armon Watts. “Those two things are going to be a big emphasis for us this year. With me knowing a little bit about pass rush, I’m excited to see how I can help in that area.”

A former sixth-round draft pick who spent the first five years of his career in Minnesota, Chicago and Pittsburgh, Watts joined the Patriots as an unrestricted free agent in March. Signing a one-year, $2.2 million contract that includes $800,000 in guarantees, he adds depth to a defensive line that parted ways with long-time starter Lawrence Guy.

Whether or not Watts will have a similar impact on the team as Guy did remains to be seen. The 27-year-old, however, is excited about the opportunity to keep developing his game in New England.

“I’ve had some success with rushing the passer, and I think some guys and some coaches here are going help me take that to the next level given this opportunity,” he said. “Last year was better for me run-wise, also efficiency. I think I’m at that point of my career where everything’s coming together and I’m starting to reap the benefits of it. So, I’m excited to see how the Patriots take my game to another level.”

New England is a new experience for Watts, but he does have some connections to the team from his time at the University of Arkansas. Team captains Deatrich Wise Jr. and Hunter Henry, as well as backup tight end La’Michael Pettway were on the same Razorbacks teams as the newest Patriots D-linemen.

But even beyond those preexisting relationships, Watts feels optimistic about his ability to adapt to his new surroundings.

“Me being in the meeting room, those guys so far, they’ve been great teachers. You can’t even tell I’ve been a newcomer. They welcomed me with open arms,” he said, specifically mentioning Wise Jr. and fellow defensive tackle Davon Godchaux.

Watts also mentioned his defensive coordinator being a former D-line coach would help with the transition.

“You got a defensive coordinator who’s been a defensive line coach. I feel like it’s easier to come and talk to him when you play on the D-line because he knows the details of what I need to do to be successful,” he said about DeMarcus Covington. “And from what I’ve heard so some of the guys like Wise, he’s a great guy. He’s definitely going to demand the best out of that group because it always starts with the guys up front.”

Based on his goals for the upcoming season, those guys up front will be put under some pressure this year. Sacks and ball production are not going to happen by themselves.