New England Patriots: Ranking the top defensive starters for 2018

5. Trey Flowers, Defensive End

Trey Flowers is another young improving defensive player for the Patriots, offering versatility, high motor, and a technically sound approach to pass rushing.

Although not overly athletic or powerful, Flowers has the ability to hound the run game with his nose for the ball. He also is able to get to the quarterback at opportune times throughout games.

Flowers had 45 total tackles during the 2017 season, alongside 6.5 sacks and three stuffs, proving his capability in getting to the quarterback while disrupting offensive lines. He was the only reliable pass rusher that New England had throughout the 2017 season.

With the return of a healthy Dont’a Hightower, we should see a more productive season from Flowers given his teammate plays a full year of football.