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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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Markus Kuhn Patriots
Nov 8, 2015; Tampa, FL, USA;New York Giants defensive tackle Markus Kuhn (78), outside linebacker Mark Herzlich (94) and linebacker Jasper Brinkley (53) runs out of the tunnel before the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Markus Kuhn

2015 story: Kuhn started a career-high seven times in 10 appearances last year. However, he only managed to produce nine tackles and half of a sack in that action. The Giants didn’t mind letting him walk in free agency.

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Why he’s ranked at No. 4: Having played in 39 NFL games, Kuhn is the third-most experienced player in this group, only behind Terrance Knighton and Alan Branch. Those gray hairs separate Kuhn from the likes of Valentine, Johnson, Hamilton and Vellano. Kuhn is also a pretty athletic interior defensive lineman, so maybe the Patriots will factor him into passing situations as a way to keep him on the active roster.

Main training camp competitor(s): Valentine, Johnson and Knighton will be Kuhn’s main competition in the dog days of summer. It’s hard to see Kuhn outperforming Knighton, but he will be expected to look more the part of the No. 4 defensive tackle than the rookie Valentine and practice squad journeyman Johnson.

Chances of making team: 5/10. Flip a coin.

Next: 3. Terrance Knighton

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