By John Sarianides
The Patriots bolstered their defensive line this off-season with additions of defensive ends Kony Ealy, Lawrence Guy and Deatrich Wise.
All four players will have the opportunity to contribute right away to a defensive line unit that has been inconsistent in recent years, particularly when it comes to rushing the passer. The Patriots only had 34 sacks last season.
Here is our scouting report on the defensive line.
Defensive Tackles
Malcolm Brown, Texas, 6-2 319, 3rd Season: Brown has quietly been one of the Patriots most consistent defensive lineman the past two seasons. He is strong at the point of attack against the run and does a good job of splitting double teams and re-creating the line of scrimmage. He could give them a little more as an interior pass rusher but Brown is a solid two down player who fits the scheme to a tee.
Alan Branch, Michigan, 6-6 325 11th Season: Branch is a space eater, plain and simple. He does a good job of getting his hands on offensive lineman and controlling his gaps against the run.
Branch is also a good pass rusher for his size. He transitions from power to speed with ease and gets consistent penetration. He is reliable physically and does his job, something Belichick values above all else.
Vincent Valentine, Nebraska, 6-4 329, 2nd Season: Valentine had a terrific rookie season and was a key contributor for the Patriots down the stretch last season. He has good size and length but he plays with a low pad level and can re-create the line of scrimmage. He handles double teams anddoesn’t lose ground.
Valentine has good pass rush potential because of his length and get off. Look for Valentine to play a bigger role in the Patriots defense this season.
Woodrow Hamilton, Mississippi, 6-3 317, 2nd Season: Hamilton has great size and good get off on the snap. He moves well laterally and can penetrate and re-create the line of scrimmage. Consistency has been an issue for Hamilton. He will need a good camp to make this team. The Patriots will more than likely carry four to five defensive ends. It will be hard to crack the roster as a fourth defensive tackle.
Darius Kilgo, Maryland, 6-2 310, 3rd Season: Kilgo has a motor and can be disruptive inside on TNT stunts but he is limited as a pass rusher. Kilgo’s lack of length hurts him in a scheme that relies on defensive tackles gap controlling offensive lineman.
Josh Augusta, Missouri, 6-4 347, RK: Augusta is massive. He is your classic two-gap shade tackle who can clog gaps and stop the run. Augusta will need an an unbelievable camp to make the team but he is a potential practice squad candidate.
Adam Butler, Vanderbilt, 6-4 301, RK: Butler is long and active along the line the scrimmage. He plays with a high motor. Butler is a good player and the intangibles are there but he is a long shot to make this team.
Defensive Ends
Trey Flowers, Arkansas, 6-2 266, 3rd Season: Flowers led the Patriots in sacks last season with seven. He really blossomed (no pun intended) into his own.
Flowers is a speed to power pass rusher who has a good first step and uses his hands well. Flowers is only scratching the surface. Look for him to be even better this season. He is finally comfortable in the Patriots scheme and it shows.
Rob Ninkovich, Purdue, 6-3 255, 12th Season: Ninkovich is listed as a linebacker but he plays defensive end in a lot of the Patriots sub packages.
Ninkovich isn’t an elite pass rusher by any means but he knows how to get to the quarterback on a consistent basis.
The Patriots extended Ninkovich last season. That shows you that how much they value him as a player and as a leader.
Kony Ealy, Missouri, 6-4 273, 4th Season: Ealy was a terrific pick up for the Patriots. If Bill Belichick and Matt Patricia can get him up to speed schematically, Ealy could thrive in New England’s defense.
Ealy struggled with consistency in Carolina but there is no denying that he has the potential to be the Patriots best pass rusher. Ealy just needs to put it all together.
Lawrence Guy, Arizona State, 6-4 305, 7th Season: Guy is your classic five technique defensive end. He has good length and has a strong upper body. He can control gaps and can play in a shade technique and penetrate.
Guy can also rush the passer which is important on early downs, which is when he will be on the field.
The Patriots paid Guy big money so you better believe he will play a big role on this defense.
Deatrich Wise Jr. Arkansas, 6-5 275, RK: I like Wise’s size and his skill set. He has battled injuries in the past and he isn’t always consistent. Wise can play either the five technique or the nine technique defensive end spot depending on the front. Bill Belichick will give Wise a long look as a result.