The Patriots will once again most likely carry seven defensive lineman. Like most teams today, the Patriots like to rotate their defensive lineman based on down and distance and situation.

The Patriots front boasts some versatile and talented players that fit the scheme well. The question is, can guys like Christian Barmore produce up to his ability? If Barmore ends up being the player most believe he can, this group has the potential to be among the best in the AFC and the NFL.

Here is our breakdown of each player at the position.

Deatrich Wise Jr. 6-5 280, Arkansas: Wise continues to be one of the Patriots most versatile defensive lineman. He can play in any package and any down and distance. He can play the five or nine technique end spots on first down and kick inside to a three technique on passing downs. He brings so much to the table on and off the field. With Devin McCourty retired, Wise will be counted on to be even more of a leader now. Look for him to handle that responsibility like he does he playing responsibilities. Like a pro.

Davon Godchaux, 6-3 330, LSU: Godchaux has been inconsistent at times thus far in his Patriots tenure. There are times he can be the dominant two-gap run stuffer the Patriots thought they were getting when they signed him and then there are other times when he struggles to get off blocks and gives up his gap. The Patriots extended Godchaux prior to last season so they obviously believe in him. He needs to be more consistent and more of a presence on early downs.

Christian Barmore, 6-4 315, Alabama: Barmore has all the physical tools to be an elite level defensive tackle but he needs to stay healthy and he needs to put it all together. Due to injury, Barmore only played in 10 games last season and finished with 2.5 sacks and 12 solo tackles. Barmore can triple those numbers if he stays healthy. This is a big season for him. Barmore needs to become the player Bill Belichick moved up for in the 2021 draft. The time of wondering what Barmore can do is over. He needs to breakout and have a big season.

Keion White, 6-5 290, Georgia Tech: The Patriots drafted White in the second of this past April’s draft and the expectation is that he will step in and play meaningful snaps as a rotational defensive end and defensive tackle. White is an explosive short area pass rusher who wins with power and speed. He also offer alignment versatility. He can line up anywhere along a front. Provided he stays healthy, he will play a lot and he could be a very productive player in the Patriots scheme.

Daniel Ekuale, 6-3 310, Washington State: Ekuale has been a valuable back up/spot starter for the Patriots the past three seasons. He can play the three technique or shade tackle and provide a spark as a pass rusher on second and third and long situations. His versatility and experience are invaluable and his ability to consistent push the pocket and win one on one makes him a player that the defensive staff will want to keep.

Lawrence Guy, 6-4 315, Arizona State: Guy skipped mini-camp over his contract but is reporting to training camp according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss. Guy has championship experience and has been a leader on this team since his arrival in Foxboro. Factor in his front versatility and he is a player the Patriots need along the defensive line to have success. Some have speculated that Guy could be the odd man out along the defensive line but I find that hard to believe given his experience and how much Belichick and the defensive staff value what he brings to the table.

DaMarcus Mitchell, 6-3 262, Purdue: Mitchell played mostly special teams as a rookie. He did play some snaps defensively but is in line for an expanded role this season as a situational pass rusher. Mitchell could provide a spark because he can line up anywhere along a front. He just needs to get that opportunity. It will be interesting to see how much he plays defensively in the pre-season. That will be a good indication of whether or not he makes the team and what the Patriots plans are for him.

Carl Davis, 6-5 335, Iowa: Davis is a big wide body who has started games for the Patriots and been a valuable back-up. There is always going to be room on this team for space eaters like Davis who can two-gap and control the line of scrimmage. I fully expect Davis to make the team again and be a key piece along this front.

Sam Roberts, 6-5 300, NW Missouri St: Roberts certainly has the size and the skill set to be a rotational piece in the Patriots defense but he will need to show in camp that he is a better option than some of the players ahead of him on the depth chart. The Patriots like Roberts size, length and pass rushing ability but Roberts will need to outperform more established players at defensive end and tackle.

Jeremiah Pharms, 6-3 300, Friends: Pharms surprised last season but given the depth the Patriots have at defensive line, he will have a difficult time making the final 53. Instead, he could once again find himself on the Patriots squad with an opportunity to possible get brought up or picked up by another team.