In my positional breakdown of the New England Patriots, I ranked the team’s units from worst to first as we head into training camp. Defensive tackle was ninth on the list, and if the Patriots can’t adequately replace Vince Wilfork, it will be a long year for the defense.
Wilfork was a dominating force over the past decade for the Patriots. Aside from when he missed the majority of the 2013 season with an Achilles tear, he was a reliable and durable anchor of the run defense. Wilfork also gobbled up blockers, allowing New England’s linebackers to roam free and find ball carriers.