It’s a new era at defensive tackle for the New England Patriots. Vince Wilfork’s departure to the Houston Texans doesn’t only mark a changing of the guard, it also leaves a huge void smack in the middle of the Pats’ defense.
The Patriots attacked that area of need by taking Texas defensive tackle Malcom Brown with their first selection in the 2015 NFL Draft. While he hasn’t played an NFL down yet, Brown could be one of the most important players on the Patriots’ roster. If he steps in and shows the ability to become an impact performer as a rookie, the Patriots should have a strong defensive front. If he struggles, the coaching staff will have to piece together the position by rotating a group of average players to hold down the middle.
Despite being 6-foot-2, 319 pounds, Brown doesn’t possess the same skill set as Wilfork. He currently struggles a bit holding ground, but as he matures and gets into the Patriots’ weight room, Brown should add the necessary lower body strength to improve his ability to anchor and take on double teams.
While run-plugging defensive tackles will always have a place in the league, the NFL is a passing league, and finding big guys who can penetrate and disrupt quarterbacks is becoming increasingly important. That’s where Brown excels. His ability to penetrate is what made him a 2014 finalist for the Bronco Nagurski (most outstanding defensive player) and Outland Trophy, given to the nation’s top interior lineman.
After an average first two seasons at Texas, Brown really came on during 2014, leading the Longhorns with an impressive 71 tackles and 13 tackles for loss. Brown also managed 6.5 sacks, and his ability to disrupt is what the Patriots are hoping will translate to the next level. Brown’s best attributes are his combination of quick, active hands to go along with good instincts and initial quickness off the snap. Brown’s quick hands allow him to win early to get into opponents’ backfields, while his quickness off the snap gives him the ability to gain an initial edge on offensive linemen.
Despite his status as a first-round selection, the Patriots won’t give Brown anything. If he’s to earn a starting role, he will have to prove he’s as good or better than the rest of New England’s interior linemen. Veterans Alan Branch and Sealver Siliga are big-bodied tackles who have some ability to penetrate, but they are seen more as run-stuffers.
2014 first-rounder Dominique Easley is another option at defensive tackle and could pair with Brown – if both prove they’re able to hold up against the run – to create a very quick and dynamic tandem at defensive tackle. Chris Jones, Joe Vellano, Antonio Johnson and Vince Taylor are also on the roster as we near training camp, but none have the ability that Brown possesses.
One of the biggest questions as the Patriots enter training camp is how long will it take Brown to translate that immense ability into consistent production at the NFL level? Brown’s development, and the play of the defensive tackles, will be one of the keys to whether the Patriots can field a formidable defense during the 2015 season.
Other Training Camp Profiles:
Malcolm Butler
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