New England Patriots: 10 X-Factors In 2015

10. Malcom Brown (Defensive Tackle)

Stew Milne-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots received a gift in this year’s draft when Malcom Brown fell to them at pick no. 32. Brown has big shoes to fill with Vince Wilfork now suiting up for the Houston Texans. While Big Vince may be irreplaceable in regards to his locker room presence and fan appeal, the patriots get to turn back the clock so to speak at the defensive tackle position with the addition of Brown. During his junior year at the University of Texas, the big man notched 70 tackles and an impressive 6.5 sacks.

The Patriots have been efficient at sacking the quarterback over the last two seasons they against the league’s better offensive lines. Brown’s ability to hit the gaps with speed and power will be a huge factor for New England. This new-look defense is going to need all the help it can get this season, so if Brown can get to the quarterback, he will become of favorite of Bill Belichick.

Next: Danny Amendola