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New England Patriots: Post-Free Agency Needs on Defense

By Hal Bent

Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) is knocked out of bounds after making a catch for a first down with Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) defending during the first quarter at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 30, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; New England Patriots wide receiver Chris Hogan (15) is knocked out of bounds after making a catch for a first down with Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) defending during the first quarter at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
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New England Patriots
Feb 5, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; New England Patriots defensive end Alan Branch (97) runs with the ball after gaining possession in the fourth quarter against the Atlanta Falcons during Super Bowl LI at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Bob Donnan-USA TODAY Sports /

DEFENSIVE TACKLES:

Newly Added/Retained: Alan Branch (UFA)

Departed: None

Need Level: Low

Analysis:

The Patriots re-signed their only free agent at the defensive tackle position when they re-upped veteran Alan Branch. Branch is part of the defensive tackle rotation with Malcom Brown and Vince Valentine. The trio returns intact and imported defensive end/tackle Lawrence Guy should add additional depth.

Branch anchored a defense which was third in the NFL in fewest rushing yards allowed and allowed the fewest rushing touchdowns (per Pro-Football-Reference.com). Branch added a pair of sacks and has some ability to collapse the pocket when rushing the quarterback.

Behind the top trio and Guy, the Patriots have a pair of projects in Woodrow Hamilton and Darius Kilgo. Hamilton held his own when forced into action against Cleveland and Cincinnati early in the season. He has size and power and is worth developing. Kilgo is a potential run-stuffer who can get low and take up space in the running game. The 2015 sixth-round draft pick of the Denver Broncos was a rotational player and could earn a role with the Patriots in the near future.

Next: Patriots 7-Round Mock Draft

New England does not necessarily need a defensive tackle, but Brown is halfway through his rookie deal and Branch is on the wrong side of 30. A mid-round project like Dalvin Tomlinson could be a mid-round draft pick who could fit in the plans of the Patriots in the future.

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