Patriots grab Alabama pass-rusher with final pick

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FOXBORO -- The Patriots went after another edge defender with their final pick of the draft when they grabbed Alabama's Xzavier Dickson.

At 6-foot-3 and 260 pounds, Dickson was an outside linebacker/defensive end hybrid in Nick Saban's defense. In 14 games last season, he made 42 tackles, including 12.5 for a loss and 9 sacks. 

Dickson, who said on Saturday night that his best pass-rushing trait was his ability to convert speed to power, likely will have to try to carve a role on special teams if he is to make the team. He played on multiple units in Alabama while also serving as a defensive starter. 

The Patriots now have a wide range of players on their roster who have experience defending the end of the line of scrimmage: Rob Ninkovich, Chandler Jones, Jabaal Sheard, Jake Bequette, third-round pick Geneo Grissom and fourth-round pick Trey Flowers. Linebackers Jamie Collins and Dont'a Hightower also have the ability to rush the passer from the edge. 

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