Defensive ends (4): Jabaal Sheard, Rob Ninkovich, Chris Long, Geneo Grissom
Defensive tackles (4): Malcom Brown, Terrance Knighton, Alan Branch, Markus Kuhn
Practice squad: Vincent Valentine, Woodrow Hamilton
Cut: Anthony Johnson, Joe Vellano, Frank Kearse, Trey Flowers
The Patriots’ defensive line is quickly becoming one of the deepest parts of the roster. You have sophomore pro Brown flirting with stardom, and then the influx of veterans Knighton and Kuhn to compliment Branch’s already stout presence on the interior. Those four guys give the Patriots a beefy yet balanced front, one which should plug running lanes and open opportunities for outside pass rushing.
More impact in 2016: Amendola or Hogan?
A rotation of Sheard, Ninkovich and Long should give the Patriots no shortage of pass rushing heat. Don’t forget about second-year man Grissom, who steadily improved throughout his rookie season and should give Long competition at the No. 3 defensive end spot for the remainder of the preseason. Draft pick Valentine narrowly misses out on a roster spot, but he joins undrafted rookie Hamilton on the practice squad at least.
Next: Linebackers (5)