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Ranking the Patriots’ interior defensive linemen

By Connor Fulton

Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Malcom Brown (90) recovers a fumble during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Texans 27-6. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Malcom Brown (90) recovers a fumble during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Texans 27-6. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /
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Malcom Brown Patriots
Dec 13, 2015; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Malcom Brown (90) recovers a fumble during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Texans 27-6. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Pass the time before the weekend starts by reading through this ranking of the New England Patriots’ interior defensive linemen.

8. Joe Vellano

2015 story: After getting the chop in training camp last year, Vellano spent most of the regular season unsigned. However, the Indianapolis Colts added him to their practice squad for a brief spell in December, only to cut him by the end of the year. The Patriots signed Vellano to a futures contract in January.

Why he’s ranked at No. 8: Maybe this writer still has images of Vellano getting torn apart in 2013 on the interior of the defensive line, but the fact remains that Vellano has not played in a meaningful football game in two years. He isn’t a youthful prospect like the guy in the next slide, so Vellano currently resides in the cellar of the interior defensive line depth chart.

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Main training camp competitor(s): Woodrow Hamilton, Anthony Johnson and Vincent Valentine for a possible segway onto the practice squad.

Chances of making team: 0.5/10. With all the interior defensive line talent the Patriots accumulated this offseason, Vellano’s best bet is to make the practice squad and get activated if and when injuries hit the position.

Next: 7. Woodrow Hamilton

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