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In my positional breakdown of the New England Patriots, I ranked the team’s units from worst to first as we head into training camp. Defensive tackle was ninth on the list, and if the Patriots can’t adequately replace Vince Wilfork, it will be a long year for the defense.
Wilfork was a dominating force over the past decade for the Patriots. Aside from when he missed the majority of the 2013 season with an Achilles tear, he was a reliable and durable anchor of the run defense. Wilfork also gobbled up blockers, allowing New England’s linebackers to roam free and find ball carriers.
There is no player on New England’s roster with Wilfork’s power and ability to clog up the middle, so they will have to find new ways of being disruptive. What the Patriots do have is versatility along their defensive interior.
Veterans Alan Branch and Sealver Siliga will never be dominant forces, but they are stout enough and reliable players. The Pats also return Chris Jones and Joe Vellano, and both of them have made big plays penetrating and getting into opponent’s backfields, but struggle at times holding their ground and anchoring in the run game.
The two players who will ultimately decided how effective this unit will be are completely unproven. Dominique Easley, a 2014 first-rounder, and this year’s top pick, Malcom Brown, have the potential to be a dominant tandem. The Patriots are hopeful that both Brown and Easley can at least become part of a rotation during their rookie seasons and make an increasing impact as the season progresses.
Easley, 6-foot-2, 290 pounds, is a quick, penetrating tackle who also could see some time at defensive end. If he can prove to hold up against double teams and powerful running offenses, he can become a force with his ability to find creases and get into opposing backfields. The biggest factor for Easley is health. The University of Florida product had a severe knee injury during his final season with the Gators, then re-injured his knee and was placed on injured reserve in December. In his 11 games as a rookie, Easley seemed a bit unsure of himself and tallied just 10 tackles and a single sack. If he can stay healthy and get a full training camp under his belt, I would expect a much-improved Easley in 2015. If that comes to fruition, the Patriots will have a disruptive piece at defensive tackle.
Brown, 6-foot-2, 319 pounds, is more of a prototypical defensive tackle. Brown, who really came on last season at Texas, is thick and stout. What made him a first-rounder is his ability to win with quickness and power. Although he doesn’t have the power to anchor that Wilfork possesses, he can take on double teams and become a run-plugging presence. With the Patriots’ current situation at defensive tackle, Brown will have the opportunity to seize immediate playing time if he can improve his technique and pick up the Pats’ scheme during training camp.
The Patriots also have veteran Antonio Johnson and rookie free agent Vince Taylor at the back end of their depth chart. Both are long-shots, but given the unproven depth chart, it wouldn’t be shocking if they pushed for a roster spot.
Once again, the success or failure at defensive tackle will likely depend on how quickly Easley and Brown can develop. If they perform up to their high draft status, the Patriots could have one of the better fronts in the NFL. If not, they will try to get by with average veterans and journeymen.
Over the next few months, the Patriots could bring in another free agent or two to compete for a spot. And like the cornerback position, the Pats will be closely monitoring veteran cuts during training camp to possibly bring in some depth and improve the talent level at a position that is currently an area of concern.
Nick Sardina is an NFL writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow Nick onTwitter @nicksardina13, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google
