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Top 10 battles to watch in Patriots training camp

By Connor Fulton

Aug 6, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) scrambles during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 6, 2015; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo (10) scrambles during training camp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-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 /

7. Terrance Knighton vs. Alan Branch

The Patriots addressed the departures of interior defensive linemen Akiem Hicks and Dominique Easley by scooping up Knighton, Markus Kuhn, Vincent Valentine and Woodrow Hamilton. Considering his experience, star power and huge 355-pound stature, Knighton tops the list of offseason defensive tackle additions and provides the largest threat to Branch.

Ranking the Patriots’ interior defensive linemen

Branch has been one of the Patriots’ most consistently productive defenders over the past few seasons. He was on the field when they defeated Branch’s former team in Super Bowl XLIX, and he started all 16 games in 2016.

But if there is one guy who can give Branch a run for his money and take the No. 2 defensive tackle role behind Malcom Brown, it is Knighton. After taking Vince Wilfork’s advice to sign with the Patriots, Knighton has a new lease on his NFL life, and the time is now for him to reassert himself as one of the NFL’s better interior defensive linemen.

Advantage: Knighton

Next: 6. Dobson vs. Mitchell

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