Defensive tackle is an emerging need for the Patriots, one that they will address in free agency and the draft.
The interior defensive line struggled last season, especially when it came to stopping the run. The absence of Christian Barmore was evident. Barmore missed most of the season due to blood clots. His future with the team is up in the air despite signing a massive extension last off-season.
Even if Barmore returns to full health, they need to find a tackle that can play next to him and make a difference.
With the Patriots going to a more attacking style defense, expect more of an emphasis on get off and players who can re-create the line of scrimmage. The Patriots are going to look to set the tone defensively.
Here are ten defensive tackles whom the Patriots could target.
Top 10 defensive tackle targets
Milton Williams
Poona Ford
Tershawn Wharton
Teair Tart
Levi Onwuzurike
DJ Jones
Greg Gaines
Derrick Nnadi
Benito Jones
Kevin Givens
Breakdown: Williams is the Apple of the Patriots eye and expect them to go hard after the emerging star. He is a perfect fit in their system. Williams will command $15-20 million per season and have multiple suitors.
Ford is undersized but he is one of the best run defenders in the league. He is quick off the ball but also has strong hands and eats up double teams. He will have several suitors as well. Wharton is a similar player to Ford and could be a cheaper and younger alternative.
Vrabel drafted Tart and a reunion could be in the cards. At 6’2 305, Tart has the size and the post snap quickness to be effective in a one gap scheme but also hold the point in a two gap technique.
Levi Onwuzurike and DJ Jones are both veteran guys who could step in and start on the weakside. Both will cost less than the top tier guys in this group. Jones in particular is one of the best run defending tackle in the league. He had a terrific season with Denver in 2024.
Gaines and Nnadi are tough, meat and potatoes type of guys who can hold their gap against the run but give your pass rush some juice on the inside. Again, both could more affordable options than the top tier guys.
Jones might not be athletic enough to play in this new scheme. Get off and resetting the line of scrimmage are keys in this scheme and he might be too big. Givens played well in San Francisco when he got snaps. He deserves an opportunity to start somewhere.
The Patriots approach in free agency will be to give guys long term second contract or short term third contracts. They will prioritize age in this process. It is why Williams will be priority for them.