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Predicting New England Patriots depth chart: Pre-minicamp edition

By Connor Fulton

May 26, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12), quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) and rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) look on during OTA
May 26, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12), quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) and rookie quarterback Jacoby Brissett (7) look on during OTA /
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Malcom Brown Patriots depth chart
Jan 24, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; New England Patriots defensive lineman Malcom Brown (90) puts on his helmet against the Denver Broncos in the AFC Championship football game at Sports Authority Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

DEFENSIVE LINE (8)

Malcom Brown (DT)

Alan Branch (DT)

Terrance Knighton (DT)

Vincent Valentine (DT)

Jabaal Sheard (DE)

Rob Ninkovich (DE)

Chris Long (DE)

Geneo Grissom (DE)

Practice squad: Woodrow Hamilton (DT), Trey Flowers (DE)

Cut: Markus Kuhn, Joe Vellano, Anthony Johnson

The Patriots didn’t miss a beat after the departures of Akiem Hicks and Dominique Easley, filling those holes with Knighton and Valentine, two defensive tackles with outstanding size. The Patriots need big bodies on the interior of the defensive line to protect their nickel packages against the run.

Ravens are cheaters, burn them at the stake

However, Knighton and Valentine do not head the depth chart at defensive tackle. After an outstanding rookie year, Brown figures to be the top dog at the positioned followed by trusty veteran Branch.

At defensive end, the Patriots will likely employ a rotation consisting of the Sheard, Ninkovich, Long and Grissom. Expect Sheard to be the marquee pass rusher out of this group; he has five years of NFL experience but is still plenty fresh at just 27 years of age.

Patriots couldn’t be in a better position right now

Hamilton makes the practice squad after an impressive showing in training camp, and so does Flowers since the Pats aren’t quite ready to give up on him.

Next: Linebackers (5)

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