01-07-2025
Perceived first-round draft bust explains new mindset with Patriots
New England Patriots edge rusher K'Lavon Chaisson is coming into training camp with a new mindset.
It was desperately needed in his slip from a 2020 first-round draft pick to a journeyman defensive player. This is Chaisson's fourth NFL team in a little over two years. A fifth opportunity isn't guaranteed, so he is making the most out of the chance he has in New England.
"I knew this was way bigger than me and way more than me," Chaisson said on the Big Bidness Podcast. "But if my daughter ain't make that even times 10, it was a no-brainer, like I ain't got no choice now. You've got to do everything you've got to do.
"...Every day. Like, I work out every single day. I don't skip. ...I quit the what-if mindset, like anything, like, 'What if I stop eating all of the artificial sugars. What if I really did only eat right, and I stretch every morning?' I just cut it like, '[Expletive], just do it. What's stopping you? The only thing stopping you is you.'"
Chaisson signed with the Patriots back in March after stops at the Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers and Las Vegas Raiders. He has played in 15 games with four starts, 32 combined tackles, five sacks, two pass deflections and a forced fumble.
Despite his earlier NFL struggles, Chaisson stood out as a potential playmaker during the spring practices. Perhaps he ends up being a better fit for New England than the previous defenses he's played for in the NFL.
The Patriots struggled to generate a consistent pass rush last season, and Chaisson's renewed drive and motivation could be exactly what the defense needs to get back on track.
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