Vince Wilfork anchors deep group of Patriots defensive linemen

It’s time to head to the other side of the ball. After running through five days of offensive positions, let’s switch it up and head to the defense. Now, let’s analyze the guys in the trenches.

Through July 12, The Blitz will highlight one position per day on the Patriots’ roster. The morning post will be a strict breakdown, and the afternoon post will highlight the position’s superlatives. Today’s edition focuses on the defensive linemen.

Defensive linemen on roster (15): Jake Bequette, Ron Brace, Jermaine Cunningham, Brandon Deaderick, Jonathan Fanene, Marcus Forston, Justin Francis, Marcus Harrison, Chandler Jones, Aaron Lavarias, Kyle Love, Myron Pryor, Alex Silvestro, Gerard Warren, Vince Wilfork

Projected roster spots: 8-9

Key Stat: Bequette (10) and Jones (4.5) combined for 14.5 sacks last season in college.

Storyline in focus: Before last season, only two Patriots reached 10 sacks in a season under Bill Belichick. That was until Andre Carter and Mark Anderson came along and doubled the population of that club. But what’s next? Anderson departed for Buffalo, and Carter and the Patriots are at an impasse in contract talks. There’s still a decent chance Carter returns, but even still, how do things change at defensive end? Fanene will be a good option, and outside linebacker Trevor Scott (might be better suited as a 3-4 outside linebacker) will jump in, as will Jones, Bequette and Deaderick, who surpassed expectations last season. The Patriots have the pieces in place, but it remains to be seen if they can be as explosive off the edge as they were in 2011.


(bostonherald.com)