During Mike Vrabel's first season as head coach of the New England Patriots, the team's defensive line quickly became a strength after being a major weakness the previous season.
Under Jerod Mayo in 2024, the defense ranked 23rd in rush yards allowed per game and last in sacks per game. The following season under Vrabel, the unit came in at 6th and 22nd, respectively, both significant improvements.
Aside from the coaching changes, the team overhauled its defensive line personnel, trading Davon Godchaux and allowing Daniel Ekuale to leave in free agency. Christian Barmore returned after missing most of the season with medical issues, while the team added Milton Williams and Khyiris Tonga via free agency, as well as Joshua Farmer through the draft.
Cory Durden became an unexpected contributor, while UDFA Eric Gregory and Leonard Taylor also played roles later on in the season. Tonga departed in free agency, while Gregory was released and sent to the practice squad during cutdown day.
While the defensive line still looks strong, the team could stand to add another veteran ahead of the regular season.
Larry Ogunjobi could be a sensible addition ahead of the regular season
While the Patriots have one of the league's better defensive lines, adding veteran depth while Drake Maye is still on a rookie contract could be a sensible move.
The Patriots recently added a fourth tight end to their active roster, Cameron Latu, which could put Tanner Arkin's roster spot in jeopardy if the team has the chance to add a productive veteran elsewhere.
One such veteran is Larry Ogunjobi, a nine-year veteran whom the Browns selected out of Charlotte in the third round in 2017. After recording 180 tackles, 13.5 sacks, and 29 tackles for loss in four seasons with Cleveland, he left for the Bengals.
He was with the Bengals for only a year, but notched a career-high 7.0 sacks, signing a three-year deal with the Steelers ahead of the 2022 season. His time in Pittsburgh was less eventful, as he managed only 6.0 sacks and 15 TFLs in his time over the next three years.
Last season, he signed with the Bills and totaled 19 tackles in 10 games after being suspended for the first six games for violating the NFL's PED policy.
While he isn't the player he once was, Ogunjobi's veteran presence could benefit the defensive line room. The 32-year-old could help soften the blow if a veteran contributor goes down, and the Patriots had plenty of that happen last season.
Williams and Tonga each missed significant time, forcing the team to rely on players like Gregory, Taylor, and Jeremiah Pharms.
If the team is unwilling to commit to giving him a roster spot now, they could add him to the practice squad until a role opens up along the defensive line. If he were to be inked to the practice squad, it would likely be at the expense of one of the unit's defensive tackles: Gregory, Pharms, or Jalen Hunt, who was recently added after spending the preseason with the Jaguars.
If the team stays healthy, they may not feel the need to add a veteran like Ogunjobi, but it would be wise to keep tabs on the free agent if their fortunes change.
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