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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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Terrance Knighton Patriots
Jun 7, 2016; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Terrance Knighton (96) during mini camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Terrance Knighton

2015 story: Knighton was a regular in the Redskins’ defensive line rotation last year, starting in all 15 games he appeared in. Oddly enough, the only game Knighton missed was the contest in Foxboro against the Patriots. He accumulated 17 tackles and 1.5 sacks in his lone season in the nation’s capital.

Patriots won’t be stopped if they can stay healthy  

Why he’s ranked at No. 3: Weighing in at 355 pounds, Knighton will certainly factor into the Patriots’ run defense plans for 2016. There’s no doubting that. However, Knighton won’t be the top dog on the depth chart with Alan Branch and Malcom Brown around (Pot Roast can be a liability in passing situations).

Main training camp competitor(s): Kuhn, Branch, Brown. Knighton ought to have no trouble beating out the likes of Vellano, Hamilton, Johnson, Valentine and Kuhn.

Chances of making team: 8/10. There’s some chance that Kuhn and Valentine will vault over a heat-stroked Knighton in training camp, but don’t count on it. Knighton should be fine.

Next: 2. Alan Branch

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