The Patriots loaded up along the defensive line with the additions of Milton Williams, Joshua Farmer and Khyris Tonga. The three along with the returning Christian Barmore and Keion White gives the Patriots a formidable five man rotation.
The defensive line will be counted on to get as much pressure as possible. The Patriots will blitz but is more about the front getting home. That is how the defense will be structured. It is a scheme that should benefit this unit.
Here is our defensive line preview.
Christian Barmore 6-5 315 Alabama: After dealing with serious blood clots last season, Barmore is back and looks ready to dominate. In 2023, he finished with 9.5 sacks and looked like one of the best interior defensive lineman in the NFL. He hopes to return to that form in a more aggressive, one gap defense suited to his talent. Barmore’s alignment versatility will be a great fit in Terrell Williams scheme and this defensive staff will get even more out of him this season.
Milton Williams 6-3 290 Louisiana Tech: The former Philadelphia Eagles rotational tackle signed a massive four year, $104 million dollar contract in March. Williams was a part team, rotational player in the Eagles system and will now have to take on a bigger role as a full time starter. Williams is explosive and wins on the snap. His ability to transition speed to power is one of the strengths of his game. Williams lateral quickness is also an asset and will be utilized by the Patriots on T-E stunts to free him up. Williams alignment versatility will also give the Patriots a match up advantage up front. The Patriots will line up Williams as a 2i, 3 technique or 5 technique depending on the front and situation. Williams is poised for a big first season in New England.
Joshua Farmer 6-3 312 Florida State: The rookie out of Florida State figures to be the third defensive tackle in when the Patriots rotate their defensive line. Farmer has good quickness, uses his hands and feet well and can reset the line of scrimmage. He may not be as stout at times of anchoring, stacking and shedding blocks but as a pass rusher, he’s a natural bender who can convert speed to power. It his pass rushing prowess that will help the Patriots this season.
Isaiah Iton 6-2 277 Rutgers: Iton is undersized but profiles as a 2i or shade defensive tackle that could develop into a situational pass rusher in the mold of an Adam Butler. He will need a strong camp and preseason to make the team.
Jeremiah Pharms Jr. 6-2 300 Friends U. Pharms has really carved a role for himself the past two season with this defense and figures to be a rotation defensive tackle and defensive end depending on the front called. Pharms is twitchy and plays with strong hands. He can control blockers, stack and shed consistently. He moves well laterally and can make plays from the backside. Pharms can spot start but his value is in his ability to maximize his 10-15 snaps.
Jahvaree Ritzie 6-4 294 North Carolina: Ritzie profiles more as a 3 Technique in 40 fronts or as a 5 Technique in 30 fronts. He has some good quickness and shows an ability to consistently hold gaps and play along the line of scrimmage. He will need a strong camp to make the team. Ritzie will have plenty of competition inside at training camp.
Jaquelin Roy 6-3 305 LSU: Roy played in six games last season including one start. He finished with 17 total tackles. Roy is not a pass rusher. He excels as a 2i or 3 Technique defensive tackle, holding gaps and allowing linebackers to run freely. He could be a an asset as a first and second down player.
Khyiris Tonga 6-2 335 BYU: Tonga is a two gap nose tackle who can control gaps and absorb blocks. He is a space eater who will play on first and second down and short yardage situations. Despite filling a certain role, he is more athletic than he profiles. Tonga moves well laterally and can make plays a long the line of scrimmage. Despite that, he was brought to New England for one purpose and purpose only. To play the run.
Keion White 6-5 285 Georgia Tech: White started 13 games last season and finished with 5 sacks. While he did not make the jump many thought he would, he still made enough meaningful strides last season that he could take another step in the right direction this season. It helps playing in a defense that will suit his talents more. The Patriots will be more of a one gap defense and players like White will be allowed to elongate their stance and get after the opposing quarterback. Look for White’s role to expand and his numbers to increase in a scheme that is tailor made for his skill set.