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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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Vincent Valentine Patriots
Oct 18, 2014; Evanston, IL, USA; Northwestern Wildcats wide receiver Miles Shuler (5) tries to get past Nebraska Cornhuskers defensive tackle Vincent Valentine (98) during the first half at Ryan Field. Mandatory Credit: Caylor Arnold-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Vincent Valentine

2015 story: A knee injury last year held Valentine to just seven starts in 10 appearances, in which he produced three sacks, four tackles for loss and 10 total tackles. Much to the puzzlement of many draft pundits, Valentine decided to forgo his final year of eligibility at Nebraska and roll the dice in the draft.

10 most promising sophomore pros on Patriots’ roster

Why he’s ranked at No. 5: Look, Valentine is an extremely talented player. At times, he is utterly dominating, which is why he gets pegged above Vellano, Hamilton and Johnson in this ranking. However, Valentine still has to put to rest the consistency critics, which is why he remains in the back half of the depth chart entering training camp.

Main training camp competitor(s):

Chances of making team:

Next: 4. Markus Kuhn

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